The US pandemic funding bill failed to provide enough support for bars and guarantees the closure of businesses, trade group the American Beverage Licensees has warned. On Monday (21 December), the US Congress passed a US$900 billion package of Covid-19 aid, which included the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA). The tax cut for small distillers was made permanent following a one-year extension at the end of 2019. The relief package included additional…
Smirnoff owner Diageo has launched a new support package worth AU$1.2 million (US$825,000) to help its on-trade partners reopen across Australia. The ‘Welcome Back’ support package will provide 130,000 free serves to bar partners, as well as PR and marketing support, to help venues reopen and boost revenue amid the coronavirus pandemic. This would include an offer of AU$10 (US$6.90) cocktails to help generate sales, with venues incentivised to feature a cocktail or Highball with…