TOTC teams up with Discus

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) has joined trade body the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) as a partner member to help ‘strengthen’ the industry.

The two organisations will work together to affect policy change, and will collaborate on industry initiatives, such as the Discus Academy, which works to train current and future industry professionals, and the TOTCF Apprenticeship Program.

Chris Swonger, president and CEO of Discus and Responsibility.org, said: “The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a natural fit as a Discus partner member, and we look forward to working with them to address key policy issues that impact bartenders, mixologists, hospitality businesses and their consumers.

“Our missions are closely aligned, and there will be multiple opportunities for collaboration throughout this partnership. By joining forces, we can affect lasting change and provide much-needed support to the hospitality industry, which has been devastated by Covid-19.”

TOTCF will also join Spirits United as a partner to expand the grassroots network in New Orleans, Louisiana, and across the US.

Caroline Rosen, president of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, said: “Combining the strength of the Discus advocacy network with the passion we have at Tales of the Cocktail will help move the industry forward and support hospitality businesses and their employees.

“Our collaboration with Discus will generate insightful content for both of our organisations’ conferences, as well as Discus Academy courses and the TOTCF Cocktail Apprentice Program. We look forward to building upon the work we have already done together and to making a real difference for those in our industry.”

The annual Tales of the Cocktail will take place virtually this September, with hopes of returning to an in-person event in 2022.