DISCUS Launches Axios Ad Campaign to Sound Alarm on Harmful Spirits Tariffs
WASHINGTON – The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) has launched a holiday-themed ad campaign on Axios to spotlight the U.S. hospitality industry’s concerns over spirits tariffs during the critical holiday season.
The weeklong ad campaign on Axios, a popular digital news outlet widely read by Washington, D.C. policy makers and opinion leaders, is running Nov. 30 through Dec. 6 and features the headline: “Hospitality businesses fear tariffs will dampen holiday spirits.”
Readers who click the Axios ad headline are directed to an article bylined by DISCUS President & CEO Chris Swonger that outlines the harms of tariffs on spirits products and encourages readers to sign the “Toasts Not Tariffs” petition to President Trump calling for the restoration of fair, zero-for-zero trade in spirits.
“At a time when affordability is top of mind, especially during the holiday season, removing the tariffs on EU and UK spirits would bring welcome relief to U.S. consumers and support U.S. restaurants, bars and retailers,” said Swonger, noting that the U.S. is currently imposing a 15% tariff on EU spirits and a 10% tariff on UK spirits.
“A return to zero-for-zero trade would secure American jobs and give distilleries, large and small, room to thrive and the confidence to make long-term investments here at home. It’s a win from the farmer who grows the grain, to the distiller who crafts the spirits, to the bartender who serves that special cocktail to the guest. Let’s get back to what works and toast to a season of progress, prosperity and keeping spirits bright.”
As part of a previous petition drive this past June organized by DISCUS and the Toasts Not Tariffs coalition, more than 19,000 supporters of the wine and spirits sectors raised concerns with the Trump administration over the impact of tariffs on small U.S. wineries and distilleries, as well as their favorite alcohol products.
Click here to view the Axios ad and article
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