Wonderful_Ad_7235 t1_jder8bh wrote
Reply to comment by beerisgreatPA in Teamsters and distributors are trying to take away Rhode Island breweries ability to self distribute. They need our help. by beerisgreatPA
Well, I too have intimate knowledge of the industry, from basically all sides, spanning multiple decades and states. Almost every new law hurts retailers. It became about retailers when there was the obligatory "evil retailers lining their pockets" comment somewhere on this thread. Brewers have gotten many laws passed in their favor over the past few years. Good for them! I honestly mean that. Who doesn't love a vibrant brewery scene? If they grow their self-distribution side, it won't necessarily hurt retailers but it also won't sell more beer, the brewers will just keep more of the profit. At least the ones who can self-distribute. Those who are able to afford trucks, warehouses, drivers, etc...and then suddenly the playing field is no longer level. And the real question, as always, is what of the slippery slope? Again, it always leads to more losses for the retailers.
You are correct, the nips/bottle deposit bill is very damaging to retailers, as is the grocery/convenience store bill that is currently alive and seems to come up every year now, it's just potentially a different palm to grease each time.
So I guess if the grocery bill (H5415) doesn't pass this year, I'm asking for support in protecting retailers the next time it is on our doorstep. Probably 6 months from now. And to not assume that your neighbors who toil their lives away in dusty liquor stores, working long hours with few days off and fewer vacations, are somehow multimillionaires just slumming it for the fun of it.
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