#Alcoholic beverage retail

[reportwire]

World Cup organizers to ban alcoholic beer sales at stadiums

World Cup organizers to ban alcoholic beer sales at stadiums

DOHA, Qatar — World Cup organizers will ban the sale of all beer with alcohol at the eight stadiums used for the soccer tournament, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press. The decision comes only two days before games start in Qatar. Non-alcoholic beer will still be available for fans at the 64 matches, the person said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because…

[coolmountain01]

Discover the Best Handcrafted Sodas with Cool Mountain

Looking for refreshing and unique beverages? Cool Mountain offers a delightful range of handcrafted flavored sodas perfect for any occasion. From classic flavors to innovative new tastes, Cool Mountain is your go-to for premium, non-alcoholic beverages. Let's explore some of the exciting options available and learn more about the top soda wholesalers in the USA and the best soda distributors.

Handcrafted Sodas: A Flavorful Experience

At Cool Mountain, we pride ourselves on creating handcrafted sodas that deliver an exceptional taste experience. Here are some of our most popular flavors:

Blue Razzberry Soda: A sweet and tangy delight that's perfect for a summer day.

Green Apple Soda: Crisp and refreshing, with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Orange Cream Soda: A creamy and citrusy favorite that will transport you back to childhood.

Black Cherry Soda: Rich and flavorful, with a deep cherry taste that's simply irresistible.

Strawberry Soda: Bright and fruity, bursting with the flavor of fresh strawberries.

Cream Soda: A classic choice, smooth and creamy with a hint of vanilla.

The Best in Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Cool Mountain is dedicated to providing a variety of non-alcoholic beverages that cater to all tastes. Whether you're looking for a cool beverage on a hot day or a flavorful treat to enjoy with friends, our crafted sodas are sure to satisfy.

Partnering with Leading Soda Distributors

We work with the top soda distributors in the USA to ensure that our products are readily available wherever you are. Our network includes:

Soda wholesalers in the USA

Soda manufacturers in the USA

Soda wholesale distributors

Soda distributors company

Wholesale soda distributors

Wholesale soda pop distributors

Soda retailers in the USA

Embrace the Craft Soda Revolution

Craft soda is more than just a drink; it's an experience. At Cool Mountain, we are passionate about creating craft sodas that bring joy to every sip. Our hand crafted rootbeer is a standout favorite, with its rich, smooth flavor and perfect blend of spices.

Why Choose Cool Mountain?

Cool Mountain offers a premium soda experience that stands out from the rest. Here's why:

Quality Ingredients: We use only the finest ingredients to craft our sodas, ensuring a superior taste.

Unique Flavors: From blue razzberry to black cherry, our flavor range is both unique and delicious.

Commitment to Excellence: Our dedication to quality and craftsmanship shines through in every bottle.

Conclusion

Whether you're a fan of root beer, cream soda, or any other delightful flavor, Cool Mountain has the perfect soda for you. Explore our range of handcrafted flavored sodas and discover why we are a favorite among soda enthusiasts. For the best in non-alcoholic beverages and craft sodas, look no further than Cool Mountain. Cheers to great taste!

[beingjellybeans]

Red Horse Beer a rising star in the inaugural Kantar BrandZ Top 30 Southeast Asian Brands report

The Kantar BrandZ Top 30 Southeast Asian Brands report has just been released, and there’s exciting news for the Philippines – San Miguel Brewery’s Red Horse has been ranked among the most powerful brands in the entire region! This prestigious ranking covers six Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. Whether you’re a beer…

[allthecanadianpolitics]

The alcohol retail sector in Ontario has been completely topsy-turvy since Premier Doug Ford moved to expedite getting beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink cocktails into corner (and other) stores, and LCBO workers' subsequent strike action which kicked off on July 5. Ford and his team revealed in May that citizens could expect to see the aforementioned beverage types on the shelves of convenience stores as soon as September and also that RTD cans would be available at select grocery stores even sooner, on August 1. But, with consumers already experiencing issues accessing their favourite boozy drinks after some 10,000 unionized employees walked off the job and shut down LCBO stores provincewide, Ford has now moved the latter date up to this week. [...]

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @newsfromstolenland

[georgegraphys]

2024 team sponsors recap!

this is completely irrelevant to F1 but i study and do these stuffs for a living sooo 😩😩 2023 sponsors are based on the sponsors that are there at the beginning of the season (new sponsors that join in the middle of the season will be classified as 2024's)

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team:

New sponsors: Whatsapp, Luminar (American tech company), SAP (German software company), nuvei (Canadian credit card services), Sherwin Williams (American painting company) 2024 data last update: 2024/02/14

Old sponsors that left: Monster Energy, Pure Storage (American technology company), fastly (American cloud computing services), Axalta (American painting company), Eight sleep (American mattresses company) 2023 data last update: 2023/01/07

Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team:

New sponsors: Yeti (American cooler manufacturer, joined later in 2023), APL (American footwear/athletic apparel manufacturer, joined later in 2023), CDW (American IT company, joined later in 2023), Sui (American tech app by Mysten Labs, joined later in 2023), Patron Tequila (Mexican alcoholic beverages company, joined later in 2023) 2024 data last update: 2024/02/15

Old sponsors that left: CashApp, Walmart, Therabody (American wellness technology company), Ocean Bottle (Norwegian reusable bottle manufacturer), PokerStars (Costa Rican gambling site), Alpha Tauri (? no info if they're official partners or not but Austrian clothing company made by Red Bull), BMC (Switzerland bicycle/cycling manufacturer), Esso (American fuel company, subsidiary of ExxonMobil), Hewlett Packard Enterprise (American technology company) 2023 data last update: 2023/03/07

More: Esso is a subsidiary of Mobil so there's possibility they merged or something

Scuderia Ferrari:

New sponsors: VGW Play (Australian tech game company, joined later in 2023), DXC Technology (American IT company, joined later in 2023), Peroni (Italian brewing company), Z Capital Group/ZCG (American private asset management/merchant bank company), Celsius (Swedish energy drink manufacturer) 2024 data last update: 2024/02/15

Old sponsors that left: Mission Winnow (American content lab by Phillip Morris International aka Marlboro), Estrella Garcia (Spanish alcoholic beverages manufacturer), Frecciarossa (Italian high speed train company) 2023 data last update: 2023/02/16

More: Mission Winnow is a part of Phillip Morris International. They are no longer listed as team sponsor but PMI is listed instead.

(starting here, 2023 data last update is 2023/02/23 and 2024 data last update is 2024/02/15)

McLaren F1 Team: (Only McLaren RACING's data is available idk if some of these are XE/FE team partners but anw..)

New sponsors: Monster Energy, Salesforce (American cloud based software company, joined later in 2023), Estrella Garcia (Spanish alcoholic beverages manufacturer), Dropbox (American file hosting company), Workday (American system software company, joined later in 2023), Ecolab (American water purification/hygiene company), Airwallex (Australian financial tech company), Optimum Nutrition (American nutritional supplement manufacturer), Halo ITSM (American software company, joined later in 2023), Udemy (American educational tech company, joined later in 2023), New Era (American cap manufacturer, joined in 2023), K-Swiss (American shoes manufacturer, joined later in 2023), Alpinestars (Italian motorsports safety equipment manufacturer)

Old sponsors that left: DP World (Emirati logistics company), EasyPost (American shipping API company), Immersive Labs (UK cybersecurity training company?), Logitech, Mind (UK mental health charity), PartyCasino (UK? online casino site), PartyPoker (American? gambling site), Sparco (Italian auto part & accessory manufacturer), Tezos (Switzerland crypto company)

Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team:

New sponsors: Valvoline (American retail automotives service company, joined later in 2023), NexGen (Canadian sustainable? fuel company), Banco Master (Brazilian digital banking platform, joined later in 2023), ServiceNow (American software company, joined later in 2023), Regent Seven Seas Cruise, Wolfgang Puck (Austrian-American chef and restaurant owner, joined later in 2023), Financial Times (British business newspaper), OMP (Italian racing safety equipment manufacturer), stichd (Netherlands fashion & apparel manufacturer)

Old sponsors that left: Alpinestars (Italian motorsports safety equipment manufacturer), crypto.com (Singaporean cryptocurrency company), ebb3 (UK? software company), Pelmark (UK fashion and apparel manufacturer), Peroni (Italian brewing company), Porto Seguro (Brazilian insurance company), Socios (Malta's blockchain-based platform), XP (Brazilian investment company)

Stake F1 Team (prev. Alfa Romeo):

???? Can't found their website (might be geoblocked in my country???)

BWT Alpine F1 Team:

New sponsors: MNTN (American software company), H. Moser & Cie (Switzerland watch manufacturer), Amazon Music

Old sponsors that left: Bell & Ross (French watch company), Ecowatt (??? afaik French less-energy smthn smthn company), Elysium (French? American? Software company), KX (UK software company), Plug (American electrical equipment manufacturing company)

Visa CashApp RB F1 Team (prev. Scuderia Alpha Tauri):

New Sponsors: Visa, CashApp, Hugo Boss, Tudor, Neft Vodka (Austrian alcoholic beverages company), Piquadro (Italian luxury bag manufacturer)

Old sponsors that left: Buzz (?), Carl Friedrik (UK travel goods manufacturer), Flex Box (Hongkong? shipping containers manufacturer), GMG (Emirati global wellbeing company), RapidAPI (American API company)

Haas F1 Team:

New sponsors: New Era (American cap manufacturer, joined later in 2023)

Old sponsors that left: Hantec Markets (Hongkong capital markets company), OpenSea (American NFT/Crypto company)

Williams Racing:

New sponsors: Komatsu, MyProtein (British bodybuilding supplement), Kraken (American crypto company, joined later in 2023), VAST Data (American tech company), Ingenuity Commerce (UK e-commerce platform), Puma (joined later in 2023)

Old sponsors that left: Acronis (Swiss software company), Bremont (British watch manufacturer), Dtex Systems (American? cybersecurity company), Financial Times (British business newspaper), Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, KX (UK software company), OMP (Italian racing safety equipment manufacturer), PPG (American painting manufacturer), Umbro (English sports equipment manufacturer), Zeiss (German opticals/optometrics manufacturing company)

[sgiandubh]

“Amateurs seek the sun. Get eaten.Power stays in the shadows."

Amateurs ; Sam

Power ; caitriona

Dear Oppenheimer Anon (with a European circadian rhythm and no knowledge of the proper use of a semicolon),

If you think your paltry quote from a movie I am in no particular hurry to watch is going to fill me with dread, you are wrong. To that effect, you could have quoted Oppenheimer's Bhagavad Gita's reference (And now I am Death, the destroyer of worlds) during the famous Trinity Test of the atomic bomb, in 1945. But I digress, as usually.

So what is your point, girlfriend? To point out again that S is an amateur, doomed to be eaten alive by your mob, as opposed to consistent, supremely intellectual and feminist icon C?

Fuck me, I am stupid, for refusing to get this Pravda slogan in my head! So since you don't get it, I am going to write it down as clearly as I can. For you and any other twat who thinks she can scare me with movie quotes:

S loves C. C loves S. C and S are parents. I am fascinated by S &C; not particularly by S , C, or any other combo. I am also very glad to be part of a group of witty, funny and kind women who happen to think the same. I am very sorry S upset you all so much by not behaving the way you wanted him to. These people are not your toys and they live their life and their truth as they see fit. Right now, S is in the United States of America promoting his new gin. This is a business side project of his, not a campaign for alcoholism or juvenile prostitution, nor a money extortion operation from gullible fans. This is work. This man is minding his own business: learn a bit from example, Anon? The best places where you could promote a new spirits beverage are clubs, bars, restaurants and specialized retailer venues, with some media coverage added for increased impact. In the meanwhile, C's movie projects are delayed by the Hollywood strike. I am very sorry for her and for them, by the same token, and I wish this situation to be soon over and with as little damage as possible.

But really, I shouldn't have gone to all that trouble, Anon. Your spelling told me everything I needed to know, because you see, Freudian slips are bitches, like that. You used a capital letter to spell only the Amateur's name, while the Power remained minuscule.

That capital letter is the emotional ROI you never got, bitter Anon. Finally, allow me to quote my favorite Christmas movie. Avec le sourire de la crémière:

[clove-pinks]

"Ohio is NOT a Midwestern state," my Illinoisian wife once hissed—and yes, she meant that in a bad way.

I'm going to have to disagree about the "not Midwestern" part, but I can see what she means, after a decade in Illinois for comparison. The vibe here is different (in a better way, I would add), and there are traces of New England cultural influences sometimes in funny ways—there are Blue laws!

For the USAmericans and foreigners alike: access to alcoholic beverages is tightly controlled in New England. You have to go to a specialty liquor store ("package store"), and these have limited hours of operation. Alcohol is NOT sold in supermarkets or gas stations, etc. They may have relaxed the laws slightly, but when I was growing up, liquor sales were forbidden on Sunday. (I remember my elderly alcoholic co-worker begging the boss to sell her a bottle of wine from the restaurant on Sunday.) When you're used to this milieu, the rest of the country seems positively awash in booze.

Fast-forward to shopping in the Ohio Walmart, where they do have beer and wine: but no hard stuff. Weirdly, rather than not selling it, it's available in a diluted to 20% ABV or less version. (Surely there are other states in this bizarre diluted hooch zone...?) You have to go to a dedicated liquor store to get things like whiskey or rum not watered down.

I was looking at a local paper in the break room and saw an ad for a liquor retailer, calling it "carryout" just like Massachusetts lmaoooo. And that stupid roundabout I always have to drive through—if Ohio is so determined to channel Massachusetts, can we at least get some more Dunkies?

[maxknightley]

Is it bad that I kind of do think gacha games are fine...? Maybe this is cope bc I do play Genshin but I sometimes feel like "brother if you don't want to pay money you can simply Not." Ngl I do be getting battle pass sometimes... But there's microtransactions in sooo many games. Ofc the gambling is not a good thing but then there's plenty of games that have that as well that don't get railed as hard as gacha games. I guess maybe it's the combination of microtrans and gambling and also the fact that you're gambling on anime characters lmao

ultimately I think this is a critique that other people have made better than I can, since my personal thoughts on gachas are "it's kind of fucked up that they're sort of free but that they're effectively subsidized by 'whales'. also it's fucked up that official industry jargon is to call them 'whales'."

speaking purely from a game design standpoint, of course, I think all gacha games are pulled in two directions at once - "make a good game for the entire playerbase" and "juice the paying players for all they're worth." that's a contradiction that can't really be resolved, imo. even if you err towards "make a good game," it's still a Service and you're still trying to Make Money, so that pressure is always going to impact what you put out.

anyway, my understanding of the root of the critique is that the gambling is the issue, because some people have a compulsive/addictive gambling problem and it's kind of shitty to make money off of them. and that's something I'm sympathetic to! on the other hand, some people are alcoholics, but I don't think the fact that you can buy liquor is in and of itself a social ill. idk where or why the line between the two is drawn for me, but it is.

maybe it's because real-world gambling tends to be explicitly designed to Keep People In and Bring People Back, and gacha games have to do the same thing by virtue of being an ongoing service. conversely, alcohol is largely marketed in the same way as other beverages - they make a drink, they try to convince you that it's Cool or Tasty, and retailers put it on their shelves. I think there's less of a sense that liquor companies' profits rely on exploiting compulsive drinkers, if that makes sense

anyway this last part is purely "glib opinion" territory rather than me trying to think about stuff: personally I think gambling for anime girls is a lesser evil compared to gambling for Actual Stakes. at least with the former there is an understanding going in that you're gonna get rinsed. the latter leaves room for you to think you'll break even, which I find more troubling.

myself I don't pay for gacha and I only play penny-ante poker once every few years. so.

[beardedmrbean]

Under-16s will be banned from buying high-caffeine energy drinks in England, if Labour wins 4 July's general election.

Drinks such as Monster, Prime and Red Bull would be blocked from sale, to protect children's health - but Coca-Cola and Lucozade would not be covered by the ban.

The proposal was welcomed by TV chef Jamie Oliver, who said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "You would be amazed if you saw how many kids have breakfast in the form of an energy drink."

Children were "bouncing off the walls" in the classroom, so teachers had to resort to "plan-B or plan-C" lessons, he said.

The Conservatives had planned to ban under-16s from buying energy - but the move was scrapped over concerns about "nanny state" meddling in personal choices.

Most UK supermarkets have introduced a voluntary ban on the sale of energy drinks to under-16s.

In January, a review of the health impact of energy drinks on children highlighted links to more risks than previously thought, such as anxiety, stress and suicidal thoughts.

The packaging on the drinks often says they are not suitable for children, and yet they can be easily bought by under-18s from corner shops, the researchers found.

It is a huge and growing market, and up to a third of UK children drink them every week.

Under Labour's plans, drinks containing more than 150mg (0.03 teaspoons) of caffeine per litre (a pint and three-quarters) would be banned from sale, in retail outlets and online, to under-16s.

Drinks such as Coca-Cola and bottled Lucozade fall under the limit, Labour says.

But a 500ml can of Monster Energy contains 160mg - equivalent to more than three shots of espresso or five cans of Coca-Cola.

Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting warned children were attending school "wired on the equivalent of three shots of espresso, from these toxic drinks".

"It stops them sleeping, damages their mental health.

"How on Earth do we expect children to learn with that in their system?"

'Several espressos'

Shops would have to check ID if they thought buyers could be under age, as they currently do with alcohol and tobacco.

Trading-standards officers would police the ban and retailers face fines of up to £2,500.

Asked why Labour would not include other high-caffeine drinks such as some coffees, leader Keir Starmer said: "Because this is aimed at children and the sort of drinks that at the moment, the energy drinks, that they are drinking.

"I mean Monster, I think, is the number one.

"Just to give you a sense of that - the caffeine in that is the equivalent of several espressos, which is why it's having such an effect on children's behaviour.

"Talk to anyone who's in a school and they'll tell you what the problem is."

The Lib Dems says they would extend the "sugar tax" on soft drinks to juice-based and milk-based drinks that are high in added sugar.

In Scotland, meal deals are to be stripped of crisps and fizzy drinks under SNP plans to tackle an obesity crisis.

Reacting to Labour's announcement, Gavin Partington, director general of the British Soft Drinks Association, said: “In line with and in the spirit of our own long-standing Code of Practice, BSDA members do not market or promote the sale of energy drinks to under 16s and label all high-caffeine beverages as ‘not recommended for children’, so we welcomed the move by retailers to voluntarily restrict sales to under 16s."

He urged any move to ban sales of energy drinks to be "evidence based".

[melbmemories]

1978 Launch of Big M.

Big M flavoured milk was launched in Victoria with overtly sexy imagery of milk running down the cleavage of girls in skimpy bikinis. It competed directly with Coca Cola as a cool teenage drink. The four initial flavours were Chocolate, Banana, Iced Coffee and Strawberry, followed later in the year by Blueberry. The equivalent drink in NSW was Moove, launched the same year.

Big M was introduced in January 1978. It marked the beginning of branded milk products in Victoria after the Victorian Dairy Industry Authority (VDIA)had replaced the Victorian Milk Board. The force behind the innovations was Chairman Des Cooper, along with his marketing manager Peter Granger.

The commercial was created by the George Patterson advertising agency in Melbourne – then the largest agency in town. By March, it was reported that Big M had claimed 13 per cent of the non-alcoholic beverage market and had reached $1.5 million in gross sales. In 1978 the VDIA also announced sponsorship of the VFL Little League and the Big M Melbourne Marathon.

The soft drink companies reacted to the challenge, threatening to pull their fridges out of milk bars if Big M was displayed next to their products. Retailers had long sold products including cream and fruit juices from the fridges they rented from companies such as Cadbury Schweppes, but it seems the popularity of Big M had prompted a re-think. The Dairy Industry Authority promised to replace any confiscated fridges.

The campaign to promote the new product significantly increased overall milk sales, benefiting dairy farmers who had been going through difficult times.

The trademark was sold in 2000 and the brand was marketed by Lion Pty Limited which was, in turn, owned by Kirin Holdings in Japan. Lion controlled the Pura, Dairy Farmers, Dare, Farmers Union, Classic, Big M and Masters brands of flavoured milk in Australia. In January 2021, the Lion Dairy and Drinks business was sold to Bega Cheese, putting the brands back in Australian hands.

by Tony Beyer

[jameswattbrewdog]

Is it possible for a homebrewer to earn money selling beer?

With the advent of craft beer culture, more individuals are taking up home brewing as a pastime. However, some wonder, "Can I earn money selling my homebrewed beer?"

The quick answer is that you can make money selling your homebrew beer. However, before venturing into commercial brewing, various issues must be addressed.

To begin, it is essential to understand the legal criteria for selling alcohol. In the United States, for example, each state has its rules governing the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. Homebrewers who intend to market homemade beer may need a license, ranging from necessary permission to a full-fledged brewery license. Researching the rules in your location is critical before trying to sell homemade beer.

Following that, analyzing the costs of commercial brewing is essential. While home brewing may be a low-cost pastime, expanding to a retail level requires substantial expenditure. This entails investing in more extensive equipment, renting or acquiring store space, and getting the relevant permissions and licenses. Furthermore, ingredients and packaging materials must be obtained in quantity, which may be costly at first.

Marketing and distribution are other crucial factors to consider. While some homebrewers may be able to sell their beer to people directly at local markets or festivals, others may need to locate distributors or shops to offer their products. This time-consuming and expensive procedure may require effective marketing and networking efforts.

Despite these difficulties, many home brewers have successfully converted their hobby into a viable company. Here are some pointers for anybody thinking about selling their homebrewed beverages.

Begin small: Begin by selling to friends and family or at farmer's markets and festivals in your area. This allows you to evaluate client interest and get feedback on your brew before investing in more extensive operations.

Create a distinct brand: Differentiating out is critical with so many brewers on the market. Create a unique brand and marketing plan to appeal to your target demographic.

Emphasize quality: Successful brewers emphasize beer quality above anything else. Ensure that your product is continuously of excellent quality and satisfies the expectations of your customers.

Join local brewing groups and attend events to meet and network with other brewers and industry experts. This may lead to beneficial collaborations and distribution possibilities.

Be prepared for setbacks: Setbacks are inevitable in every business effort. Prepare to modify and change your tactics as required.

Ultimately, whether or not to sell homebrew beer is a matter of personal choice and ambitions. While beer of sale may be profitable, it needs a significant commitment of time, effort, and resources. For others, the pleasure of home brewing may be sufficient without the additional burden of commercial operations. Turning a pastime into a flourishing company may be both enjoyable and lucrative for others.

While selling homemade beer might be difficult, it is feasible to generate a profit with the appropriate technique. Home brewers must be ready to invest in their craft, do legal research, and create a solid business strategy. Homebrewers may effectively traverse the commercial brewing world and transform their love for beer into a viable company by emphasizing quality, networking with other brewers, and building a distinctive brand.

[mariacallous]

The Istanbul Governor’s new ban on alcohol consumption in public places such as parks and beaches has been taken to court by the Istanbul Bar Association.

Lawyers want the court to suspend and cancel the circular, saying that it is a violation of the Turkish constitution and European conventions.

“The circular entitled ‘Alcohol Sale and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages’ issued by the Istanbul Governor … violates citizens’ right to privacy that is guaranteed by the 20th article of the Constitution and the 8th article of the European Convention on Human Rights,” the Istanbul Bar Association said in a statement on Thursday.

The circular justifies the “preventive measures”, claiming that “persons involved in criminal incidents were mostly found to be intoxicated”.

“In complaints made to the relevant authorities, it has been determined that the persons involved in incidents that disrupt public order and disturb the public peace and security within the borders of our province are mostly alcoholics. People who drink alcohol in public parks, beaches and similar areas cause fear and panic in our citizens,” the Governor stated in a press release on August 30.

The circular orders fines for those who drink alcohol in public and their detention until they become sober.

The Istanbul Governor’s Office said on Thursday, in another statement, that the ban was not new and that the circular was only a “reminder” to enforce existing rules.

The decision is the latest in a series of restrictive measures made by the political Islamist government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding alcohol consumption.

For the past 10 years, liquor shops have been prohibited from selling alcohol after 10 p.m. The government has also hiked taxes on alcoholic beverages over the years. More than 60 per cent of the retail price of high-alcohol drinks like Turkish raki, vodka, and gin consists of taxes. The tax rate for a bottle of beer is around 55 per cent.

Alcohol consumption is already banned at festivals, concerts, and other cultural events. This has forced many Istanbulites to consume alcohol in their homes, due to the high prices charged in bars and restaurants.

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

Ten years ago, Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize marijuana for adult use when voters approved ballot measures in 2012. Since then, a total of 19 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. And while federal marijuana legalization is seemingly stopped in its tracks, another five states are poised to change cannabis policy in the midterm elections, potentially making adult-use marijuana legal for more than half of the nation.

According to an April 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 91% of US adults favor some form of marijuana legalization. 43% of US adults currently live in a jurisdiction that has legalized marijuana for adults over 21; sales of adult-use and medical marijuana products hit $25 billion in 2021 and, by one Wall Street estimate, could reach $100 billion by 2030. And last month, President Joe Biden announced that he’s taking steps to overhaul America’s federal cannabis laws, starting by pardoning everyone convicted of simple marijuana possession at the federal level.

Notably, four states with legal marijuana on the November 8 ballot are traditionally conservative: Arkansas, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota voters will all consider measures legalizing cannabis, while Maryland voters are widely expected to approve legalization.

“Four of the five states voting have two Republican senators and either completely or majority Republican congressional delegations in the house,” says BOWL PAC founder Justin Strekal, a longtime cannabis lobbyist in Washington, DC, and the former political director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). “Voters deciding on adult use could significantly change the calculus for their federal representatives as to how to approach cannabis at the national level.”

Here’s a quick overview of the measures that voters will decide on at the ballot box.

ARKANSAS: ISSUE 4

Arkansas voters approved medical marijuana in 2016. Now they’ll consider legalizing cannabis for adult use with Issue 4, which would modify the state’s existing medical program.

The Responsible Growth Arkansas campaign turned in over 192,000 signatures in July to qualify for the November ballot. Following an attempt by the state Board of Elections to deny certification to the measure by declaring its wording insufficient, the campaign filed a lawsuit with the Arkansas Supreme Court in August. After weeks of uncertainty, the court ruled in favor of Responsible Growth Arkansas on September 22, clearing the way for the vote.

A September survey by Talk Business and Politics at Hendrix College found that 58.5% of Arkansas voters are in favor of the ballot measure, with 29% opposed and 13% undecided. However, an alliance of progressive cannabis advocates, religious leaders, and pro-Trump politicians — including Republican Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton — is staunchly opposed to legalization. Pro-cannabis critics claim that the measure, which is largely funded by the medical cannabis industry, would allow existing medical marijuana businesses to dominate the adult-use market, and reward industry backers of the measure by limiting new competitors.

The proposed law would allow adults 21 and over to purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis from licensed retailers. It would also repeal residency requirements to qualify for the state’s medical marijuana program. Home cultivation would not be permitted.

The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division would oversee regulation of the program and issuing licenses; the state’s existing 40 medical cannabis dispensaries would be permitted to serve adult consumers starting on March 8, 2023. Each would also be allowed to open another retail location for recreational marijuana sales, and 40 more adult-use retailers would be awarded new licenses through a lottery system.

Criminal background checks would no longer be required for people who own less than 5% of a cannabis business, but there are no social justice provisions attached related to expungement or social equity.

The amendment would repeal taxes on medical marijuana while allowing the state to charge a 10% sales tax on non-medical sales at dispensaries. 30% of tax revenues would be divided between law enforcement, university research, and state drug court programs, with the remainder going to the state general fund.

A recent analysis shows Arkansas could see nearly $1 billion in annual sales and more than $460 million in tax revenue over five years if voters approve cannabis legalization.

MARYLAND: QUESTION 4

Earlier this year, Maryland legislators voted to put a marijuana legalization referendum on the November ballot. Question 4 asks: “Do you favor the legalization of the use of cannabis by an individual who is at least 21 years of age on or after July 1, 2023, in the State of Maryland?”

A yes on Question 4 would make recreational cannabis legal in Maryland, where medical marijuana has been legal since 2013, by amending the state constitution. The legislation would make the purchase and possession of up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis legal for adults 21 and older, and would remove criminal penalties for possession of up to 2.5 ounces. In addition, adults would be allowed to grow up to two plants for personal use and gift cannabis legally.

Past convictions for conduct made legal under the proposed law would be expunged, and people currently serving time for cannabis offenses would be eligible for resentencing, while those with convictions for possession with intent to distribute would be able to petition to have their records expunged three years after serving their time.

Prospects for the referendum passing look good, with a recent Washington Post and University of Maryland poll showing that 73% of registered voters support legalization. If the amendment passes, Maryland will join neighboring Washington, DC, as a legal adult-use jurisdiction; cannabis possession and home growing have been legal for adult DC residents since 2015, although Congress has blocked retail sales.

MISSOURI: AMENDMENT 3

Missouri passed legislation decriminalizing cannabis for personal use in 2014, and voters approved a medical marijuana program four years later. Now full legalization is on the ballot in Missouri with Amendment 3 — but after little public resistance for months, the proposal faces criticism from several factions as a coalition of officials and organizations have banded together to urge voters to reject the initiative.

The group Legal Missouri 2022, which is behind the proposed constitutional amendment, says it was written to provide a “level playing field” for the industry while promoting social equity, Marijuana Moment reported. The initiative is endorsed by advocacy organizations including the ACLU of Missouri and all six chapters of Missouri NORML.

Opposition to the measure includes false claims from a conservative PAC that it’s an attempt to insert critical race theory into the constitution by creating a position of “chief equity officer,” and the Missouri Democratic Party alleging that it “may negatively impact minorities, people of color and low-income earning Missourians.”

Amendment 3 would make it legal for adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to three ounces of non-medical cannabis. It would also allow registered home cultivation. Existing medical dispensaries would be licensed to serve adult consumers with a dual license.

Tax revenue from recreational cannabis sales would be used to expunge the records of people convicted of nonviolent cannabis offenses; it would also subsidize veterans’ health care, drug treatment, and state public defender programs.

Regulation would be overseen by the Department of Health and Senior Services, with microbusiness licenses issued through a lottery system. Priority for those licenses would be given to low-income applicants and people disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs.

NORTH DAKOTA: MEASURE 2

A marijuana legalization measure in North Dakota would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis and four grams of cannabis concentrate, as well as cultivate up to three plants for personal use, as long as the product from those plants is stored in the same location.

A coalition called New Approach ND collected signatures for Measure 2, which would require the state to create a regulatory program by October 1, 2023. The agency would also oversee cannabis business licensing for a maximum of seven cultivation facilities and 18 retailers. The initiative stipulates that no individual or entity would be permitted to own more than one cultivation facility or four retail locations to mitigate the risk of large companies monopolizing the cannabis market.

Measure 2 would put child custody protections into place for parents who use cannabis in compliance with state law, meaning they would not lose parental rights due to cannabis consumption. It would not provide a pathway to record expungements for marijuana convictions.

The state’s 5% sales tax would apply to cannabis products; no additional tax would specifically be imposed. Manufacturers would pay a $110,000 registration fee every two years, while retailers would pay $90,000; those funds would support the implementation and administration of the adult-use program.

Polling data on cannabis reform is scarce in North Dakota, but a 2018 survey found that 51% of residents backed legalization.

SOUTH DAKOTA: MEASURE 27

South Dakota voters approved cannabis legalization for adult use in 2020; however, the state Supreme Court invalidated the initiative. This year, voters have another opportunity to weigh in on legalization, but a recent poll shows that public opinion may have shifted on the issue, with a majority of respondents now opposed to cannabis reform.

In 2020, 54% of South Dakotan voters approved legalizing cannabis. However, following a legal challenge led by Republican Gov. Kristi Noem, the state Supreme Court invalidated the vote on procedural grounds, upholding a ruling that found the ballot measure violated the state’s single-subject rule for constitutional amendments, meaning it was not narrowly focused enough to meet the electoral standard.

This time, the initiative has omitted provisions around taxes and regulations; those decisions would be up to the legislature. The advocacy group South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws turned in more than 20,000 signatures to qualify Measure 27 for the November ballot.

If approved by voters, Measure 27 would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to an ounce of cannabis, as well as grow up to three plants for personal use. It doesn’t touch on regulatory policies concerning taxing cannabis sales, licensing, or social equity.

The measure includes civil penalties for violating provisions related to public consumption or growing more plants than permitted. Employers would be allowed to prohibit cannabis use by workers, and state and local governments could continue to ban marijuana-related activities made legal under the initiative.

All in all, it’s impossible to forecast what voters will decide this week, but the conversation about legalizing marijuana has come a long way in 10 years. “It’s remarkable,” says Strekal, the cannabis lobbyist. “Should two or more of the states that have it on the ballot pass, then we will have more than 50% of Americans living in a state that has legalized adult-use cannabis.”

[allthecanadianpolitics]

The Ontario government says it no longer plan to introduce a new bottle deposit-return system for non-alcoholic beverages due to “significant costs” it would add for small business and families.

Amanda Brodhagen, the director of communications for Ontario Environment Minister Andrea Khanjin, said the decision was made after an “extensive consultation” with stakeholders.

“Should producers and retailers wish to work collaboratively to implement a system that is both cost effective and increases recycling rates, we would welcome that, however we cannot support increased costs at a time when cost of living is so high,” Brodhagen said in an email to CP24 Friday evening.

Last year, the government invited stakeholders, including environmental organizations, consumer advocacy groups and recycling industry experts, to participate in a six-month working group to review how a new deposit-return system could work.

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Tagging: @newsfromstolenland

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

Access LIVE is the industry’s event, bringing together wholesalers, suppliers, retailers, service providers, importers and exporters all under one roof.

Mrs Chrissy Beaudette Tinelli, General Manager of Sassenach Spirits, shows visitors the work for which they hired her.

This explains how she used her undercover position to turn SH into a whisky salesman in America. If she literally shows up outside of her office, why doesn't she continue with this event assistant job unless her rules say otherwise?

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America’s (WSWA’s) 2023 Access LIVE, beverage alcohol industry event was held April 2–5, 2023, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

[nwbeerguide]

Harpoon Brewery releases its first THC-based beverage, Rec. Weed.

Press Release

BOSTON...Harpoon Brewery – the maker of New England's first IPA – is dipping their toes into new territory with the launch of their first THC-based beverage: Rec. Weed. Made in partnership with Massachusetts' Novel Beverage Company, Rec. Weed is a hop-forward yet approachable beverage made with 5 milligrams of THC, real passionfruit puree, green tea, and hops at only 25 calories and 3 grams of sugar per can. With tropical juiciness and citrusy hop notes, Rec. Weed has a clean, crisp finish that encourages consumers to kick back at the end of a long day and unwind with a new kind of drink in their hand.

"The adult beverage space is constantly evolving. With THC now legalized in states across much of the country – especially here in the Northeast – we saw not only high demand for a THC-based beverage, but an opportunity to experiment in a way that would uniquely leverage our strengths in the beer world," said Dan Kenary, CEO and co-founder of Harpoon. "We knew we had to find the right partner to help craft Rec. Weed, and Novel Beverage Co.'s vast knowledge of the industry and strong New England roots made them the ideal team to work with on this release."

Rec. Weed is brewed similarly to a session ale but without fermentation, meaning it has no alcohol content. The process starts with a base of green tea and a bit of added sugar, followed by the cold steeping of Citra and other West Coast hop oils and passionfruit puree. After the steeping process, THC is added to the liquid base, and the beverage is carbonated like a traditional beer. This process imparts minimal THC flavor or aroma. And because the THC is absorbed into the liquid, people feel its effects quicker than with more common edibles.

"Our consumers come to us with an innate curiosity to try new THC products from brands they can trust. Rec. Weed meets them at the intersection of what they want – a buzz through a non-alcoholic and low-calorie beverage that doesn't sacrifice on taste," Donald Wyse, COO of Seagrass Dispensary in Salem, MA. "Both Harpoon's and Novel Beverage Co.'s expertise in their respective fields contributed to creating an exciting product we know our consumers will love. We're excited to roll Rec. Weed out."

The launch of Rec. Weed marks the second step into marijuana-inspired products for Harpoon's parent company, Mass. Bay Brewing Company, with the first being Long Trail's CBD Seltzer. The CBD seltzers are non-alcoholic, hemp-infused seltzers that pay homage to a classic Long Trail flavor. They are available in the following flavors: Raspberry Lime, Blueberry Melon and Blackberry. Long Trail's CBD Seltzer can be purchased at Long Trail Tap Room in Bridgewater Corners, VT and is also distributed in MA, VT, RI, CT, and NJ. Find it today using the Long Trail Beer Finder.

Rec. Weed will be available in 12 oz. slim cans with a suggested retail price of $6.99. It will be available year-round at recreational dispensaries throughout Massachusetts. Must be 21+ to purchase. Visit www.drinkrecweed.com for more information.

About the Harpoon Brewery: The Harpoon Brewery was founded in 1986 by beer lovers who wanted more and better beer options. When the Brewery was founded, Harpoon was issued Brewing Permit #001 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, since it was the first to brew commercially in Boston after a dormant period of about 25 years. Since then, it has expanded to a second brewery in Windsor, VT. Harpoon's line of craft beer features its award-winning IPA and seasonal beers, along with special limited releases. In 2014, Harpoon became an employee-owned company.

About Novel Beverage Company: Novel Beverage Co. (Novel) is the northeast United States premier manufacturer of THC infused beverages. Operating state-of-the-art production and packaging facilities in Scarborough, Maine and Salisbury, Massachusetts, Novel is locally owned and operated, with a team combining decades of experience in both cannabis and beverage production to bring safe, consistent, delicious ready-to-drink beverages dosed with just the right amount of THC. Novel's diverse line of products can be found in most adult use cannabis retail stores.