We all know there is strength in numbers. In many ways that is the basis for forming an association where like minded people get together for a common purpose, interest or cause. In this case the common cause is the survival of the millions of workers that are involved in the hospitality industry. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic the hospitality industry was struck with more than 8 million employees being laid off or furloughed. Fortunately, some of those have now returned to work but a vast number has not. And more unfortunate is the number of restaurants and bars, many that have been in business for a decade or longer have had to permanently close their doors.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) has announced the formation of the Hospitality Recovery Coalition with the goal of supporting on-premise partners, including restaurants, bars and distilleries, facing harsh economic impacts due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The Hospitality Recovery Coalition includes DISCUS, the American Distilled Spirits Alliance (ADSA), the Council of State Restaurant Associations (CSRA), the National Restaurant Association, TIPs and the United States Bartenders Guild (USBG).
“Our friends in the hospitality industry have been some of the hardest hit during COVID-19 and continue to face uncertainty and instability,” said Chris Swonger, president and CEO of DISCUS. “Without assistance at all levels of government, many of these businesses will be forced to close their doors. Unfortunately, many already have. This coalition seeks to provide a unified front willing and able to affect positive policy changes that support restaurants and bars both large and small.”
Some efforts supported by the coalition include extending or making permanent effective and responsible revenue-boosting measures like cocktails to-go on the state level and supporting relief legislation like the RESTAURANTS Act on the federal level.
“With all that is going on, we cannot allow these businesses to be forgotten,” Swonger added. “We offer our combined voices in support of all of the hardworking hospitality workers and business owners across the U.S.”
Restaurant Industry Expected to Lose $240 Billion by End of 2020 Infographic
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According to a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association, the restaurant industry is expected to lose $240 Billion by the end of 2020. The study also found that 8 million employees were laid off or furloughed during the height of the pandemic.
Each member of the coalition is committed to responsibility. Laws governing alcohol consumption must always be observed, and hospitality businesses must remain informed of current rules and regulations. TIPs offers training for individuals on the responsible sale, service and consumption of alcohol.
Here’s a bit more information about each of the groups.
Hospitality Recovery Coalition Partners
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
DISCUS is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. DISCUS members are committed to responsibility and encourage adults who drink to do so in moderation.
The American Distilled Spirits Alliance
ADSA is a trade association of 27 member companies with common interests in the manufacturing, importation and marketing of distilled spirits products in the United States. ADSA members produce approximately two-thirds of all the distilled spirits currently sold in the U.S. Previously known as the Presidents’ Forum of the Distilled Spirits Industry, ADSA traces its history back over 40 years.
The Council of State Restaurant Associations
CSRA’s Mission is to foster goodwill and promote the success of state restaurant associations and their members. The purpose of CSRA is to foster and promote the best interests of the state restaurant associations. Ensuring that state restaurant associations continue to benefit from cooperative and coordinated efforts in membership, education, governmental affairs, and other services and relationships with the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and their affiliated organizations.
The National Restaurant Association
Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 15.6 million employees. We represent the industry in Washington, D.C., and advocate on its behalf. We also sponsor the industry’s largest trade show; leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); and unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF’s ProStart).
TIPs – Training for Intervention ProcedureS
TIPS is a dynamic, skills-based training program designed to prevent intoxication, drunk driving and underage drinking by enhancing the fundamental “people skills” of servers, sellers and consumers of alcohol. TIPS gives individuals the knowledge and confidence they need to recognize potential alcohol-related problems and intervene to prevent alcohol-related tragedies.
The United States Bartenders Guild
USBG’s mission is uniting the hospitality community to advance professional bartending. We believe tending & owning bars is an honorable career choice. Our goal is to empower bartenders to take charge of their careers. We accomplish this through working with our committed partners to enrich the career advancement of our members through peer-to-peer learning, expert instruction, service projects and competition. Since knowledge is power, our chapters hold cocktail competitions, sponsor intimate seminars with internationally recognized brand representatives, and forge relationships between top bar talent in 50 cities and counting. We offer all our members opportunities to compete, travel around the world, and spread knowledge in the pursuit of elevating our craft.
Infographic Source Data: A National Restaurant Association survey of more than 6,500 restaurant operators nationwide* shows the extent of nationwide restaurant job losses and sales, which are deep and widespread across all segments. Survey went out to owners/operators of eating and drinking places, which employ 12 million out of the total restaurant and foodservice workforce of 15.6 million.
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