Proponent Testimony - HB 169, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (March 16, 2021)

Summary

Proponent testimony on HB 169 from David E. Wojnar of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, to the House Economic and Workforce Development Committee, dated March 16, 2021. The testimony asks for support of HB 169, legislation it describes as providing financial assistance to hospitality industry businesses impacted by COVID-19. It cites the National Restaurant Association for sales at restaurants down 78 percent in the first few weeks of the nationwide lockdown and restaurants laying off 86 percent of their employees. It says hospitality businesses will be able to use the $125 million in grants to keep the lights on and provide jobs.

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              House Economic and Workforce Development Committee
                          Proponent Testimony for HB 169
             David E. Wojnar, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
                                    March 16, 2021


On behalf of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United (DISCUS), a national trade association
representing some of the world’s leading distillers both large and small we respectfully request
your support of HB 169 , legislation that would provide much needed financial assistance to the
many hospitality industry businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. During these
unprecedented times, you have listened to the plight of Ohio’s restaurants and bars as they
struggled to cope with the challenges posed by COVID-19. As one of the first to allow cocktails
to-go, on a permanent basis you have been a real champion for Ohio’s hospitality industry, and
we ask that you continue to be loud voice by supporting HB 169.

Thousands of hospitality businesses across Ohio including restaurants, taverns, bars, distilleries,
and their retail sales operations and tasting rooms have been closed either completely or in
some capacity since mid-March. According to the National Restaurant Association, sales at
restaurants were down 78 percent in the first few weeks of the nationwide lockdown, causing
restaurants to lay off 86 percent of their employees. Clearly, this has had a devastating impact
on the thousands of people employed by on-premises establishments in Ohio.

Ohio’s restaurants, bars and distilleries have been absolutely devastated by the COVID-19
pandemic, and HB 169 will provide critical funding for these businesses as they work to get
back on their feet. Specifically, hospitality businesses will be able to use the $125 million in
grants to keep the lights on and provide good-paying jobs. Ohio restaurants, bars and
distilleries are in desperate need of relief, and this bill is a great place to start. Thank you in
advance for your support and thank you for introducing this much needed legislation.

Sincerely,




David Wojnar
Senior Vice President and Head of State Public Policy
Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.


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