Legislative, Government Affairs & Legal Updates

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Featured Legislative, Government Affairs & Legal Updates Content

Bart Watson: If You’re Trying to Ride Out This Wave, ‘You Should Probably Reconsider’

Bart Watson: If You’re Trying to Ride Out This Wave, ‘You Should Probably Reconsider’

Anyone looking for an answer to when craft’s current era of compounding hurdles and declines will come to an end received a reality check Wednesday during Brewers Association (BA) president and CEO Bart Watson’s state of the industry address, held at the start of Day 2 of the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Indianapolis.

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BA Focusing on Legislation to Widen Market Access for Craft Brewers

BA Focusing on Legislation to Widen Market Access for Craft Brewers

The Brewers Association (BA) is prioritizing legislative efforts that widen craft brewers’ market access as the segment faces a challenging sales environment and narrowing distribution routes, BA general counsel Marc Sorini said during a presentation at the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) last month in Las Vegas.

No-Li Files Lawsuit Against Tilray Over Use of ‘Big Juicy’

No-Li Files Lawsuit Against Tilray Over Use of ‘Big Juicy’

Spokane, Washington-based No-Li Brewhouse has filed a lawsuit against Tilray Brands alleging that the beer and cannabis platform has infringed on its trademark for “Big Juicy” beers, according to Law360.

Beer Purchasers’ Index: April Posts Highest Total Beer Reading Since 2021

Beer Purchasers’ Index: April Posts Highest Total Beer Reading Since 2021

It appears that beer distributors are optimistic about the beer category’s upcoming spring/summer performance. The category posted a Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) reading of 62 for the month of April, marking the highest BPI reading, and first reading above 60, since December 2021,

CBC Keynote: Uncle Nearest’s Fawn Weaver On Why Staying Small Wasn’t an Option

CBC Keynote: Uncle Nearest’s Fawn Weaver On Why Staying Small Wasn’t an Option

Uncle Nearest Distillery founder and CEO Fawn Weaver disregarded the advice of the spirits industry’s old heads on the way to building a billion-dollar brand, she shared during her fireside chat with Crowns and Hops Brewing co-founder and CEO Beny Ashburn on the opening day of the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Las Vegas.

A Round With … Brewers Association CEO Bob Pease on CBC, Craft Slowdown, Trade Group’s Transition

A Round With … Brewers Association CEO Bob Pease on CBC, Craft Slowdown, Trade Group’s Transition

Ahead of the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC), which officially kicks off today (Monday, April 22), Brewers Association (BA) president and CEO Bob Pease shared his thoughts on the largest gathering of craft brewers, the turbulent times the trade group’s members are facing, the organization’s own changes and conversations he and Dr. J Jackson-Beckham have taken part in regards to the 2023 event.

Justin’s CBC Picks: State of the Industry, Fawn Weaver, Government Affairs and Chain Buyers

Justin’s CBC Picks: State of the Industry, Fawn Weaver, Government Affairs and Chain Buyers

The highlight of every Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) for me is Brewers Association (BA) chief economist Bart Watson’s “State of the Industry” presentation. Watson gives a data-filled pulse check on the health of the industry, insights on where the business is heading and some much needed real talk on the future now that growth isn’t a given.

Zoe’s CBC Picks: Hard Cider, Brand Extensions and Business Smarts

Zoe’s CBC Picks: Hard Cider, Brand Extensions and Business Smarts

The Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) was the first industry event I ever attended, so I see it as the unofficial start to a new year. It’s also a great pulse check on how the industry – and all the folks you catch up with – have changed and evolved since the last CBC.

Craft Brewers Conference Primer: A Pre-Conference Reading List

Craft Brewers Conference Primer: A Pre-Conference Reading List

Before you head to Las Vegas for the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference, we’ve put together a primer of Brewers Association (BA) stories (and one video) from the past six months to help you prepare. Consider this the CliffsNotes version.

Proposed Colorado Bill Would Double Bev-Alc Taxes to Fund Addiction Recovery Efforts

Proposed Colorado Bill Would Double Bev-Alc Taxes to Fund Addiction Recovery Efforts

A pair of alcohol-adjacent bills have been introduced in the Colorado Legislature. One (SB24-181) seeks to create a tax on beverage-alcohol products distributed in the state to fund “alcohol and related substance use disorder prevention, early intervention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery services” across Colorado.