FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We share below a number of recent developments. As always, we rely on FIVS Members to apprise us of noteworthy matters. Please contact the FIVS Secretariat with items that may be of interest.
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
- The Coronavirus
- We express our sincerest sympathies to all of those and their families who have been struck by the coronavirus, as well as with the many who are indirectly affected.
- United States – Alcohol Sales in the face of the Coronavirus: It has been widely reported that people have been purchasing toilet paper, peanut butter, and pasta as they prepare for the coronavirus pandemic. Now, alcohol beverages are reportedly the next “must-have” items for many consumers facing the global public health crisis. See also this article about sales increases.
- …But Bars and Restaurants are Closing: At the same time, governmental authorities are closing bars and restaurants in the United States (Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, etc.) and around the world (Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the United Kingdom, etc.).
- In the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom reportedly called for all bars and wineries to close in the state. Wineries that elected to close will have no tastings, but customers can continue to purchase wine.
- Whisk(e)y events around the world have also been cancelled.
- Trade
- European Union & United Kingdom – A Partnership in Wine: The Wine and Spirit Trade Association and Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins are reportedly forming a new EU-UK Partnership Agreement to protect wine trade interests in light of Brexit. Among other issues, the agreement will address regulatory divergences that could affect geographical indications (GIs), the imposition of the VI-1 regulatory form, the protection of intellectual property rights, customs procedures, and wine labeling arrangements.
- United States – Easing Trade Tensions: Updating last week’s alert, this article reports that the Washington State House of Representatives passed legislation by a vote of 73-24 that would remove a key tax break for Boeing and other aerospace firms, hoping to ease the transatlantic trade dispute regarding aircraft subsidies. However, due to last minute changes made by the House, the legislation must be approved again by the State Senate before advancing to the Governor’s desk.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
- Drink Drive
- South Africa – Movement of a Zero Blood Alcohol Limit Proposal: The South African Cabinet has reportedly approved the submission of the National Road Traffic Amendment Bill of 2019 to the South African Parliament, which includes the prohibition of alcohol consumption by drivers.
- Greece is also reportedly considering a zero blood alcohol limit approach.
- United Kingdom – Drinkaware focuses on Drink-Drive: The British Beer & Pub Association is reportedly supporting a new campaign, “Home and Dry,” to raise awareness about the risks of drinking and driving. The campaign will offer free point-of-sale materials including posters, beer mats, bar runners, and staff t-shirts to venues.
- South Africa – Movement of a Zero Blood Alcohol Limit Proposal: The South African Cabinet has reportedly approved the submission of the National Road Traffic Amendment Bill of 2019 to the South African Parliament, which includes the prohibition of alcohol consumption by drivers.
- Health Studies
- How Alcohol Affects your heart – from moderate to excessive drinking: This article notes that, as FIVS has previously reported, while some research has found heart benefits for moderate drinkers – male moderate drinkers were 21 percent and female moderate drinkers were 34% less likely, for example, to die from cardiovascular disease – those results are debatable. Other research suggests, too, that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, increase the risk for heart disease, and may not confer benefits often thought to be associated with drinking red wine.
- Marketing
- New Zealand – Permanently Prohibiting Alcohol at Rugby Games: The Christchurch City Council in New Zealand has apparently banned alcohol during all rugby league weekend games and weekday practices in Christchurch parks, including adjoining areas such as car parks, walkways, and playgrounds. A temporary ban was put in place one year ago after seventy percent of the clubs had reported alcohol-related misconduct on a weekly basis.
- Taxation
- United Kingdom – Freezing the Excises on Alcohol Beverages: Although pressing for a two percent duty tax cut, the wine industry in the UK reportedly expressed its content with the fact that duty taxes will not rise in-line with inflation. Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s decision to freeze duties included wine, spirits, beer, and cider.