Welcome to Spirited Discussions, a podcast by Alcohol Beverage Services, exploring alcohol products, trends, and policies in Montgomery County.
Jocelyn RawatThanks for joining us. I'm your host, Jocelyn Rowat. The alcohol industry is evolving quickly right now, with a modest decline in total volume sold combined with interesting areas of growth. Several factors seem to be driving this rapid change, including a whole host of consumer trends, the national and global economy, and even technology. So to help us sort out all these moving parts, we have Chris Swonger, who is the president and CEO of this Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, which we affectionately call DISCUS. Hi, Chris.
Chris SwongerHi, Jocelyn.
Jocelyn RawatWe're also joined by Kathie Durbin, who we all know locally as the director here at Alcohol Beverage Services. But Kathie is also active at the national level, and she's currently serving as the chair of the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association. Kathie joined us on episode three to help us understand what a control system is. And now we're happy to have her back. Welcome, Kathie.
Kathie DurbinThank you. Hello, Jocelyn.
Jocelyn RawatSo Chris, let's start out with an easy one. What is DISCUS and what's its relationship to control systems?
You bet. Well, first and foremost, thanks for having me. DiISCUS is the leading national trade association that represents many of the distilled spirits companies around the world and around the country as well. We represent many of the leading supplier companies, but we also represent many Maryland craft distillers as well. And our job is essentially to be an advocate for the industry, to help educate policymakers, whether it's in Washington, D.C. or in the state capitals. And it's really, really important to work with our control state partners. And Montgomery County, in the efforts that y'all lead and Kathie leads with Montgomery County, is really, really important. You know, essentially the control states have two, two to three primary responsibilities. It's to help regulate and control the safe sale and distribution of distilled spirits and sometimes other products like wine or beer throughout the county, help generate revenue uh for the state or the county as well, and to work with industry to help bring great brands to life. And Montgomery County has really been the model in doing that with the recent expansion of the retail stores for liquor and wine. It's been brilliant. And, you know, most of the time, the relationship between the industry and the control state systems are very, very positive because we work in collaboration. Every once in a while, this rarely happens between the industry and Montgomery County because of just the strong working relationship we have. The industry may have a different view of going to market than some control states, but nevertheless, it is a very, very positive relationship. And as me, for me, as the CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, it is a priority for me to have a very strong supportive relationship with all the control states around the country. And Montgomery County is essential to that. And working with Kathie and all of y'all is a critical component of it. And ultimately, it's to bring great products to the marketplace. Great products so consumers in Montgomery County can enjoy the finest of distilled spirits products, but also to always do it in a safe, proper, regulatory way and generate great revenue for the for the county as well.
Jocelyn RawatAll right, Kathie, I know you want to address that. I see you're nodding your head because this is what you talk about all the time is about the relationship building and kind of the ecosystem of the alcohol industry. People tend to think that it's very isolated, but in fact, it's not.
Kathie DurbinIt's not. It's not at all. It's about being social. It's about being together, it's about relationships, it's about hospitality. And it's very important for us to know that we can do that in a safe place, in a safe environment. And that's what control systems are about. And that's how they started, that's how they began. The the strategies that are created by control systems really help keep that community safe and that whole community, just not that one retail store or that one space. So I'm excited to have the partners. Chris has been a great partner and his team. I've worked with some of his team members for many, many years. I've worked in different aspects of the hospitality um industry and really uh excited to continue and strengthen those relationships.
Okay, that's great. So there's, you know, there's a lot of news around the alcohol industry right now. And we're seeing a lot of stories even in mainstream media about what's going on. According to a recent Gallup survey, alcohol consumption in the US has dropped to its lowest rate in nearly 90 years, with only 54% of adults reporting that they drink, so how is this trend affecting the spirits industry?
It's a unique time for the industry. The entire industry is navigating inflation challenges, new product entry challenges, whether it's cannabis or intoxicating hemp products, lifestyle choices as well. Americans are looking carefully at a balanced lifestyle. And, you know, some of the challenges that we were confronted with in the pandemic. Kathie mentioned it. One of the unique benefits for the industry and for consumers is conviviality. It brings people together. And we've seen some some evidence that legal drinking age consumers aren't socializing as much or going out and so forth. So on behalf of the industry, we want people to drink better and not more. And distilled spirits industry offers a lot of great products to do that. And for those individuals to that choose to enjoy beverage alcohol, you know, we want individuals to make informed choices and always enjoy the product in moderation and responsibly and so forth. So it is a unique time. Just yesterday, the Distilled Spirits Council had our annual economic briefing. And there has been a constriction in the marketplace over the last couple of years. I'm proud to say the distilled spirits industry for the third straight year led market share versus beer and wine. And that's not an anti-beer and wine comment. It's just a testament that consumers appreciate the cocktail culture, appreciate the variety of distilled spirits bring, whether it's rum, tequila, vodka, whiskey, Irish whiskey, Scotch whiskey, American whiskey, to bourbon and Tennessee whiskey. So our industry brings a lot of cheer. But in addition to that, our industry plays a fundamental role in promoting responsibility as well. And our partnership with Montgomery County and all the control state partners, that is a key component of it. We fight very, very hard, work with traffic safety to prevent issues like drunk driving, prevent underage drinking. By the way, underage drinking is at its lowest levels that it's ever been recorded. And I'm proud to say the industry has played a positive role in that. How we market and advertise our products. I had the privilege of leading an organization called responsibility.org. Miss Kathie here has helped introduce programs to some of the schools and communities right here in Montgomery County. So it's it's it's a unique time for our industry. People aren't consuming alcohol as much as they used to, but it is also an opportunity. We at DiISCUS, we try to be consumer-led and bring great products, or member companies bring great products to market. And there is something to be said about people coming together. It doesn't matter. It's a very politically divisive time in our country. It has been for a while, but it doesn't matter which side of the aisle you may be on. People coming together and having a warm evening together. Uh, it's cold outside. I think we're all experiencing that. And having a nice cocktail. For those who choose to enjoy alcohol, it can be something that can bring cheer and happiness and relaxation. Uh, but it's also okay if you choose not to drink beverage alcohol as well. we're an industry that wants to be on the right side of the consumer and make sure that consumers always make informed choices and always, always be responsible and enjoy the product in moderation. So drink better, not more.
Jocelyn RawatDrink better, not more. I'll bet you you're agreeing, Kathie.
Oh, I am agreeing. I think it's really interesting after being in this industry for so many years and in different aspects of the industry. It's okay not to drink. It's socially acceptable now. It's not something that somebody has to really kind of hide or not be present. So I do think that we are in a really, really interesting time. I don't think the alcohol industry has seen a time like this ever. And so it's not just one thing that's maybe impacting this industry. It's probably six or seven things, which is one of the conversations like we just had today on a on a call with other regulators. It was really interesting. Some of them don't even know that the industry is being impacted. They're seeing maybe some restaurants go out, or maybe some restaurants changing, or what they're doing is different. Um, so that's what we're going to see more of is... different. We're going to see some innovations within the industry, within the communities, and trying to bring people together, finding a way to remain social, doing it with low, no alcohol products, doing it with some of the standard products that you've been loyal to for ages, centuries. You know, people have drunk some of these products for many, many years. So I think you're going to see a little bit of both now. And, people are going to have to take a moment and decide where they want to spend their money, their disposable income. So it's it is changing. It's not going to look the same. The industry's resetting and it's okay. We just have go with it and help and support.
It's interesting. There are a lot of economic that the economy is robust and strong. Inflation is going down. gross national product is going up. But it's a unique time in our country where you've got issues like AI coming in, we've immigration issues that the country is navigating. Uh but the consumer confidence is waning a little bit in the country, which is a unique time. And that ultimately is going to carry some weight on what a consumer may decide to do or not do. One side bit, and getting back to Kathie's point about the recognizing some people can choose not to drink. I'm a type one diabetic, okay? And this is just me personally, I play a leading role in the distilled spirits industry. So I'm very, very mindful in terms of my alcohol consumption, right? I have to be. I have to be in a type one diabetic, I have to live happy, balance, I have to exercise, I got to watch my diet, also have to watch my alcohol intake as well, right? And each individual's got to navigate that. But I can also say on a given night, having a cocktail in moderation relaxes me and makes me feel sociable and so forth. So it's an individual choice in low and no, alcohol's fine, mocktails are fine, or enjoying a great cocktail. I'm going to be in France next week at a conference. And am I going to have a cognac? Of course I am.
Kathie DurbinPoor you.
Chris SwongerYeah. Somebody's got to do it. Yeah.
Jocelyn RawatSo I heard you say the word balance, which is a word that we use around here a lot. In particular when we're looking at our licensed establishments, we're in renewal period right now, so we'll kind of see how things shake out. But it looks like this year and in the previous years, there tends to be a fair consistency in the number of establishments, but the balance changes and they look different than they did, say, five years ago. Am I understanding that correctly?
Kathie DurbinYes. You know, we had a big jump in this area. I would say the last 10 years in licenses, but the last few years, they've remained the same, about 1,100. But the types of licenses have changed. So it does ebb and flow. We have over 30 different types of licenses here in Montgomery County. So it's really incredible. Businesses have choices and they can change the type of license, or if they decide after a year this isn't working for them, they want to do something else, they can do it. Our balance is the regulatory side, the government side, and then the business side. And how do we do it? I actually thought it would more difficult to work as a system that is government and business, but it's not. You have the transparency, you have the accountability, and then you you're able to run a business and give back to your community. So it's really that's the balance that we work every day.
Jocelyn RawatYeah. Chris, I I heard you you said, you know, that the economy is mixed. There are some signs that the economy is actually pretty robust, but there are some also some job losses, and then there's that consumer sentiment. Some people still feel like affordability is kind of an issue. So, with that mixed bag on the economy, you know, how does that affect the spirits industry in terms of like supply chain or affordability or tariffs? I mean, is it is it making a difference in the spirits industry, or are we really, as people like to say, immune to those things?
No, not immune at all. I mean, a couple of years ago, the industry was navigating some significant supply chain issues. Uh, and it was it was adjoined to a broader economic challenge where Scotch from Scotland was struggling to get in. If you remember that, Kathie, or Japanese whiskey. there were some issues with the ports, which happens from time to time. And with the the Trump administration's aggressive posture on international trade, where the administration is trying to bring more American manufacturing to the United States and reduce trade deficits with one of you know, many of our trading partners, it's had an impact on our industry because what's unique about the distilled spirits industry is we're very intertwined with many of our trading partners. So we're an industry of distinctive products. You only get, you can only make tequila in the Jalisco region of Mexico. You can only make cognac in the Cognac region of France. You can only make American whiskey here in the United States. And that is all defined by international trade law. And as a result of that, is the administration's kind of taking an aggressive posture in in order to bring more American manufacturing jobs. Our industry is unique because we're very intertwined together. We're successful together. And it's been a little bit of an unpredictable international trading environment, and that's had an impact on the industry. So, to give you an example, the Trump administration is applying a 15% tariff on all EU spirits coming into the United States, a 10% tariff on all UK spirits coming into the United States. So that is adding some cost pressures. What we're trying to do with the Trump administration is educate them, even though the administration's taking a quote unquote America first policy approach, our industry is intertwined and we thrive with a zero-for-zero tariff environment. Now, I'll give you a little kind of fun issue, and it's way beyond the shores of the United States, but India is the biggest whiskey market in the world. Historically, they've had a 150% tariff on all American spirits going into India. And the administration just announced recently that India is poised to either eliminate or reduce that tariff significantly. And that's going to be a good thing for the long term, for the economic impact, because American whiskey in India is barely a pinprick in market share. Ultimately, that's going to help the American economy because more American distilleries will be able to make more whiskey and produce it and be able to sell that great whiskey into India. Look, India is a far, far ways away from here. Uh, but that is just an example of some of the issues that the industry is navigating, because we thrive in a fair and free trade tariff-free environment, and we're not operating in that, particularly with our big markets. And many products that Montgomery County sells, whether it's scotch, Irish whiskey, Cognac, liqueurs, or are are being imposed a tariff coming into the United States. So that's adding some cost pressures and it adds some challenges to the supply chain.
Kathie DurbinAnd it's who is going to encumber those costs. You know, how long can the industry hold on to it and not pass it along to the consumer?
100%. 100%. Not to divert on India, but on one hand, there's a really positive story that may be happening in the long term with the administration's policy. But at the same time, currently, we're we're suffering from some strain because of the trading posture between the United States and the EU or the UK that can have a direct impact on products coming into great Montgomery County.
Jocelyn RawatSo what's what's that going to mean to just the everyday shopper? Are we... because we haven't really seen huge price increases yet. Does that mean we're not going to, or we will, or it's too soon to tell?
Chris SwongerWell, there is an ongoing debate with the administration that has a policy that's driving a narrative in whether or not tariffs are being passed down ultimately to the consumer. I think, look, I can't speak on behalf of one company versus another, but many of the companies that are bringing imported products in where there may be a tariff, they're eating that, they're eating that cost of the tariff. But eventually the cost pressures, it's very costly. They can't do that forever. To make a great distilled spirits product, put it in the barrel, ship it all the way from France or ship it from Scotland and bring it here to the shores of the United States. So those cost pressures are probably , certainly having an impact. It's having an impact on the industry. Uh, let's hope it's not having an impact for the Montgomery County shopping year.
Hopefully. Um, and I think that there's just so many impacts. Like we're talking, this is just like the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, of what we're talking about, what's being impacted by our industry right now. And I think, you know, even when you look at, are those same products going to be able to get here? I mean, is it going to be too costly? And so we might not be able to find them at all for a while. So the industry was very robust during, I would say COVID, you know, people were like, you know, stocking up and there were a lot of sales. And and those are the times when most like that's when the I guess the barrels have liquid in them, right? And they probably filled up a lot of barrels at that time.
Chris SwongerThey did.
Kathie DurbinSo I would say right now we're feeling some of that as well. Sometimes there's too much supply. And how do we balance that out? Um, because if people aren't, the consumers aren't, aren't buying right now, or that product, or they've changed, switched to another product, that's also going to be a big challenge for industry.
Chris SwongerJocelyn, there's a real science about making whiskey or making products that need to be aged, because what the distiller has to do is calculate four, five, six years down the line on the consumer interest of that product. Because they've got to determine how much liquid do they put in that barrel. And that barrel that the the the American whiskey may age three years, four years, five years. And they're almost, they're having to guess there's more of a science to it. I'm going to an economics person, but they got to guess how many consumers are going to want to try that whiskey five, six years from now. So that is part of the science and the complexity of the distilled spirits industry. But I'd also say that's part of the art of it as well, and the beauty and the heritage of which we're proud of.
Jocelyn RawatYeah, we we talked about whiskey making in one of our first episodes, and that's how it was characterized as an art and a science.
Chris Swonger100%.
Jocelyn RawatYeah. So sticking with the economy, so here in Montgomery County, we have been impacted by the economy uniquely, being so close to Washington, D.C. And so we've been affected by the prolonged shutdown and and layoffs. What does that mean for us?
I mean, it it's very impactful for us. It's once again people trying to decide where they're going to spend their money and how they're going to spend the money. Um, in 2025, over 25,000 federal jobs were lost locally. This is in our area. And so it is going to impact us. Um and, you know, alcohol is seen as I don't know, that kind of extra added luxury. Yeah, luxury, right? And so it's something that you want to do, but we're still going to have events in our families. We're still going to have celebrations, and we're still going to do all we can, even if we are working on a limited budget. So people are still going to find ways to try to celebrate. And it is, it is, this is a really strange time because you are hearing good things about, you know, oh no, this is the the economy is really doing looking pretty, pretty good, you know, you hear that, but then you're living it every day in your community and you're seeing, you know, price increases and and such. So for us, and I would say as people who distribute alcohol, sell alcohol in a retail environment, it's also giving those choices so that people can buy. You we're looking at smaller formats, we're looking at all kinds of innovations that are happening within the industry of how the how people can still enjoy and have their time together and have their social events, no matter how they're impacted.
Jocelyn RawatYeah. So here in Maryland, according to the governor, the state has lost about 25,000 federal jobs in the last year or so. It is very significant for Maryland. It's the largest decline of any state in the country. But as you've just said, we're still celebrating. Alcohol plays an important social role and historic role. So it's it's not going away, it's just evolving. So can you tell me how is it evolving? What's hot in 2026? And what innovations are you seeing?
Well, first and foremost, we like to call a great bottle of whiskey or rum. It's an "affordable luxury." And then during the pandemic, where people were confined in their homes, they weren't going to see movies or restaurants. It it was a unique time for the industry because people traded up and they had the money to buy a great bottle of scotch that they've always wanted to try and so forth. So distilled spirits can be a great affordable luxury. One phenomenon that I that we think is here to stay is a product category called " spirits-based ready to drink products." distilled spirits in a can, typically relatively low alcohol, either 5% ABV alcohol by volume or up to 8%. And you can get a real vodka drink or a real tequila drink with a wonderful taste and a spirits-based ready-to-drink can. And thanks to the leadership of Montgomery County, through Kathie's efforts, they've been able to expand these products to be accessible to for more than I think 400 plus outlets for consumers to enjoy. And those products can be bought at a convenience store, at a grocery store, at an agency store. And what we love about the product is it's got great authenticity and great taste. Now, this is me being a little bit competitive on behalf of the distilled spirits industry, but there are other product categories, malt-based ready-to-drink products with all due respect to them, or wine-based. But what's unique about the spirits-based RTDs is the taste, the authenticity. And through the leadership of Montgomery County, we've been able to expand that to where consumers can try and enjoy those products.
Kathie DurbinYeah. RTDs is what we call them, and I was bartending when it was the first iteration of RTDs many years ago.
Jocelyn RawatThese can't cocktails sometimes too, right?
Kathie DurbinYeah. And so it's it was really interesting because, you know, even like back then it was like the Bartles and James or the Zima, I think was one of them. And I can't remember all the names, so when we started seeing them come back, different types, we were like, this isn't going to make it, it's not going to happen. And it has been really interesting to see the expansion and again, the innovation of these products, people like them. And, you know, the regulator side of me likes them because people know what they're drinking. So there's no, you know, there's no guesswork. So if they go and visit a friend or go to a pool party or something like that, and they have you know, low alcohol, ABV, RTD, they know what they had to drink. They can hang out, eat some food, and maybe have one. And they're usually, you know, carbonated, not always, but in many cases. And so it's a nice summertime kind of pleasure for people, and they know what they're drinking. And I've seen more and more on-premise restaurants start selling them as well, which is really interesting, yeah, because that wasn't happening. So there's still growth in that area, and I think it's going to continue. I agree. and it's something that is actually helping this jurisdiction because other products are down. The category of beer is down, the category of wine is down, and the category of spirits is down a little bit. But you like you said, that's the leader. So this, and I think that the the RTDs are what's helped, you know, maintain that, those numbers.
Jocelyn, I could get in trouble because I had the privilege of representing a lot of great companies, a lot of different brands, and I favor all of them because of the nature of my job and so forth. But for your listeners, High Noon is a spirit-based ready- to- drink. Surfside is another one that is really popular. Jack and Coke, Jack Daniels and Coke. There's been a lot of multiple partnerships that come around that have brought these products to market. And it's accessible, consumers enjoy to drink it, and it's authenticity and taste and allows consumers to feel like what it would be like mixing vodka with tea and how would that taste and so forth. Yeah. So we're really excited about it, and uh, it's a responsible, low alcohol way enjoy a distilled spirits product.
Jocelyn RawatYeah, I don't think you're going to get in trouble because we have talked about our top-selling products in all categories, including spirits, and the ones that you mentioned are our big sellers. The numbers bear that out. Yeah. So you you've both talked about trends in safety and responsibility. And I know you both have really strong backgrounds in this area. So I'm sure you're pleased to see that underage drinking has declined, drunk driving has decreased, and alcohol-related injuries have gone down too. And I know that both of you have been involved in this for a long time. So can you address that?
I guess I'll start. Um, and it goes back to being a control system and working in a control system has been very important. I grew up in this county and in Montgomery County. And I always knew it was a little safer, wasn't sure why, or felt good in here, you know, even when, you know, I got married and had children and didn't really understand the system so much. The more I learn about it, the more I love it because we give back to the community, we sell responsibly, we help the businesses, we're resources to the local license holders as well. So from the minute they get their license or apply for their license, we're training. It's free training. We do everything we can. It's a big hug. It's a wraparound services. So I will say that for me, working in a control system is important. I worked as a substance abuse preventionist for many years. And that's how at the time, you know, worked with the Century Council, which is the former name of responsibility.org. And it was really interesting at that time to see industry get on on board. And it's been a delight to watch it grow and become a, you know, really a staple of those conversations about responsibility in communities and how we can be feet on the ground, do everything we can to prevent under 21 alcohol use, because we know what happens when people drink at young ages and it affects them later on as adults. We already have all that information. We know what happens when people make poor choices and they drink and drive, impacts their lives, impacts other people. It's not just about them. It's about, you know, how can we stop them in the industry? How can the industry be part of the positive change? And it has been. And it's really exciting for somebody who's worked in this for a long time and see, seen both sides of things. You want people to have fun, you want, you want hospitality to thrive, and you want to, and there's lots of ways to do it safely.
Chris SwongerI would say anytime, so I represent publicly held companies or companies that are invested to grow their business. So anytime that you represent a profit-motivated industry, it always calls into question their motivations. But the way in the industry is really invested in this for a long, long time. And it's something that I'm very proud about is the industry recognizes is the more progress that we make in eliminating underage drinking, eliminating drunk driving, and impaired driving and promoting responsibility, that is good business. Like we've all we've all lived life and we've seen examples of a friend or yourself accidentally overserve yourself or be in a position at a football game. It's not fun to watch when someone makes a poor decision when it when it comes to consuming alcohol. And our industry is very, very invested. I had the privilege of leading an organization called responsibility.org. It's been around since 1991, and we work very closely with the traffic safety community, great organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving that are on the front lines to prevent drunk driving as we know it because it happens to innocent people or someone that may have an alcohol use disorder, may not have the judgment to get in a car and drive and hurt someone. So our industry is very invested. We have a lot of programs, and part of the essence of it is having partners like with Montgomery County, right? We are we're an industry of moms and dads. I've got two teenage boys. Kathie's got teenagers, not teenage daughters anymore.
Kathie Durbin30, 20 somethings. Yeah.
Chris SwongerUh uh, three beautiful daughters, and we want all everyone to be safe. And if they choose to drink alcohol, we want them to enjoy it just responsibly and safely. And the more that happens, that's good for the industry, and that is industry sustainability. And I'm proud to say the industry puts its money where its mouth is and leans in. We don't run away with problems associated with alcohol because it's an obvious. If you abuse alcohol or overserve yourself, your judgment's not going to be great. So it's a community effort, it's a team effort, and we're committed to partnering with Montgomery County and anybody and everybody that's going to keep any consideration to enjoy alcohol, keep everybody safe, and make sure that they enjoy the product as intended, responsibly, fun, relaxing, bringing people together. But there are circumstances people can get over the top or make a bad decision. And it's a community effort to prevent that.
Jocelyn RawatYeah, and the flavors have gotten so good too. I mean, you can really just enjoy it just for the taste. Yeah.
Chris SwongerYeah. Yummy.
Jocelyn RawatI feel like the theme today has really been change and innovation. So that kind of takes me to my last question. So for those people in Montgomery County who want to maybe try something new, something they haven't thought about before, what spirit or cocktail are you recommending for a Montgomery County audience?
Chris SwongerIt's chilly outside. Nothing better than a... I drink whiskey neat. So two fingers, two fingers. Uh this is a podcast, audio podcast, but I love having great whiskey neat and sipping it and then enjoying it in wintertime, you know, come summertime, vodka soda, it depends. Uh RTDs, spirits-based RTDs, or any time of the year, but they come to life to some degree in the summertime because it's it's just easy to enjoy at a barbecue. I like a whiskey neat.
Kathie DurbinIt's funny because we're talking about you can't just give one answer anymore because there's so many choices, and that's what we've been talking about today. And I would say I love a good old-fashioned and I love the rye, and that's Maryland, and it's Maryland-based, and I love it. But in the summertime, it is about crushes. And in Maryland, it is about crushes. And so we love to eat crabs and either do a grapefruit crush or an orange crush traditionally. And, so I'd like to try other things too, but you know, they're a lot of fun, and you know, within reason, it's all good.
Chris SwongerCan't go wrong with a nice tequila, too. I mean, it we can go on and on this day.
Kathie DurbinLet's get to a bar.
Chris SwongerYeah.
Jocelyn RawatSo Kathie, I think you really nailed it with the orange crush, because I'd like to note that the General Assembly actually named the Orange Crush as the Maryland State drink last year. So I think that that is exactly right. Okay, so thank you, Chris Swonger and Kathie Durbin, for participating in today's spirited discussion.
Kathie DurbinThank you. Thanks for having us.
Chris SwongerThanks for having me, and thanks for all the great work by the Montgomery County Liquor Control Board. It's a privilege, and our industry stands committed to supporting your efforts from a regulatory perspective, bringing great products to market, and making sure Montgomery County consumers enjoy our fine distilled spirits products.
Jocelyn RawatAll right, thank you. If there's a topic you'd like us to cover on the podcast, email us at abs.spiriteddiscussions@montgomerycountymd.gov. And thanks for listening.
AnnouncerAlcohol Beverage Services is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine, and spirits for Montgomery County, and it operates neighborhood retail stores. ABS also manages alcohol licensing, enforcement, and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Profits are used to pay for resident services that otherwise would be funded by county tax dollars. This podcast is brought to you by County Cable Montgomery, your source for news and information from the Montgomery County government. Connect with us via cable, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube by searching for County Cable Moco.