Members,

Just remember that we are only in week 2. A lot of people are working to make things happen to mitigate the damage that this has caused.

COVID-19 Information and Resources updates

I am updating the Guild’s COVID-19 information and resources page daily as new information comes in. All the recent changes are reflected below.

Disaster loans available in Alabama

All of Alabama is now eligible for disaster loans. You can begin that application here.

Brewers Association Webinar | Beer in a Time of Disruption: Know Your Legal Options

You may want to consider attending this webinar by registering here. It is set for today at 11:00 AM Central.

Member-to-member virtual meeting this afternoon

Let’s get together and talk about a few things on Monday, March 23 at 4:00 PM Central. You can join us by clicking here on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Turn on your webcam. Let’s try to be a little informal. You can also call-in using 646-749-3112, access code 898-540-605. A few things I’d like to talk about:

  • How are you doing?
  • What are some immediate action at the state level that can be accomplished by Executive Order?
  • What are some medium-term needs at the state level that can be accomplished by legislative action?
  • What is happening at the federal level, and do you have any thoughts?

I apologize if 4:00 PM isn’t ideal for you., but it’s the earliest time I’ll be able to make it. I’ll stay on for as long as I can for folks who need to be late.

Jefferson County clarifies order

The Jefferson County Department of Public Health amended their order yesterday to specify that all non-essential businesses should close effective 5:00 PM today, and the order includes a non-exhaustive list of businesses that are included. The county also issued some pictures to help people understand. The county health officer has expressed some frustration and has indicated that it would be impossible for him to provide an exhaustive list of what businesses are essential or not, and he is urging everyone to use good judgement.

Beer is essential!

According to federal guidance, essential critical infrastructure includes retail that sells “food and beverage products” as well as “beverage production facilities.” However, these guidelines are not binding on state or county governments. If this continues to escalate we may start seeing scrutiny on breweries and distilleries that are only selling alcoholic beverages.

American Craft Spirits Association Webinar on Hand Sanitizer: From Regulation to Production

For distillers, the ACSA is providing a complimentary webinar on hand sanitizer today at 4:00 PM. You can register here.

If you are capable of creating these products, I would like you to seriously consider doing so. There is a critical shortage among first responders and essential workers.

Are you included in the sales tax deferment?

I’ve had a few members contact me to let me know that they are not registered with ADOR as being engaged in Sector 72 business activity. I have reached out directly to Revenue to ask them to add the following NAICS codes to the deferment:

  • 312120 Breweries
  • 312130 Wineries
  • 312140 Distilleries

I’ll let you know when I know.

Labor waives charges against employers who file partial unemployment claims

The Department of Labor is waiving employer charges for COVID-19 related claims. What does that mean? A partial unemployment benefit is available to those workers who are still working but whose hours have been reduced. The DOL is encouraging employers to file these claims on behalf of their workers affected by CVOID-19. You can file a partials claim here.

Free the Hops Craft To-Go in Alabama page updated. Review/add your listing!

This will be pushed to social media this afternoon. Free the Hops had to do some work to improve the Craft To-Go in Alabama page after the Governor restricted on-premise to the entire state. It has since been updated to be more compact and searchable. Please send your information to info@freethehops.org.

  • What county are you in?
  • Are you doing alcohol To-Go? (Y/N)
  • Are you doing Food To-Go? (Y/N)
  • Are you selling gift cards? (Y/N)
  • What are your carryout hours?
  • What is your call-in number, if any?
  • What is your email-in address, if any?
  • What is your ordering URL, if any?

The Brewers Association is also compiling a similar database. You can submit here.

The Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association is also creating a system. You can submit to that here.

The President has signed the Emergency Families First Coronavirus Response Act

A basic overview of the legislation (that I trust) has been published by McDermott, Will & Emery, the law firm representing the Brewers Association. This is just the first piece of legislation to be introduced to address this situation.

Transfers in bond

The TTB has advised industry members that once a Transfer in Bond form is filed, an immediate transfer is acceptable without awaiting TTB response or approval. You should keep records of the date of submission of that form.