Discus welcomes ‘critical’ $28.6bn funding for on-trade

Trade body the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) has welcomed “critical” funding for bars and craft distilleries, after president Joe Biden officially signed a US$28.6 billion Covid-19 relief package for hospitality businesses.

The US$28.6bn package is for the Restaurant Revitalization fund. Eligible businesses can receive grants to offset revenue losses in 2020 compared with 2019 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Eligible businesses include restaurants, saloons, taverns, bars, lounges, tasting rooms, licensed facilities of beverage alcohol producers, and more.

Grants can be used for payroll, mortgage or rent payments, utilities, maintenance expenses, supplies, food and beverage expenses, supplier costs, operational expenses and paid sick leave.

Chris Swonger, president and CEO of Discus, said: “This critical funding provides hope and optimism for millions of restaurant, bar and craft distillery owners and hospitality workers who have hung in there over the past year waiting for brighter days.

“Help is on the way and with the progress on the vaccine front, these hospitality businesses will begin to bounce back and thrive once again.

“We commend president Biden and Congress for recognising the importance of reviving the hospitality industry and the role these businesses play in creating jobs, supporting local communities and bringing people together.”