In early April I received a call from Danielle a sales reps for one of liquor distributors whom I buy wine and liquor from. After I told her that I was closed, Danielle informed me just how bad things were going everywhere. She said that all of her on on premise accounts were closed and hence were not placing any orders. Additionally, she noted that she had heard from several businesses informing her that they were not only closed temporarily, but also were closed closed as in going out of business. (She said these guys were teetering before the virus and just couldn’t survive being closed for any amount of time.)
Well, just this past Thursday, I called Danielle to order a couple cases of wine, but I ended up talking to her Sales Manager Chris. When I asked him where Danielle was he informed that they had had to furlough her along with several other staff members. He was now acting as the order taker. He too went on to discuss how bad thing are on their end.
I mention all that as a lead in to this letter sent out by the American Beverage Licensee organization. With May being National Tavern Month, they usually send out a rah-rah letter commemorating taverns and encouraging folks to support them. Obviously, this May is much different than previous Mays. That tone is reflected in their letter (click here.) Excerpts follow:
May – National Tavern Month (Hopefully Not Goodbye Tavern Month).
May Is National Tavern Month
Fighting to Keep Their Doors Open,
Local Bars & Taverns Need Support Now More Than Ever
Each year, American Beverage Licensees (ABL) reminds everyone that May is Tavern Month and encourages Americans to celebrate their local bars and taverns by stopping in and supporting these small businesses.
But this year is different.
With the COVID-19 crisis permeating every state, Main Street bars and taverns are in the fight of their lives as many have been forced to close their doors, lay off staff and severely alter or limit their operations. What has always been an annual celebration is now a national emergency.
During most crises, corner bars and taverns are reliable refuges of normalcy, and some of the first to help their communities by supporting local economies, providing jobs and contributing to numerous nonprofits and charities. But as the COVID-19 crisis continues, many of these family-owned small businesses are at risk of closing their doors permanently….
The job losses and financial impact continue to be tallied, but the mental and emotional costs of this crisis are incalculable. Bar and tavern owners face gut-wrenching decisions over their businesses and with their staff members, many of whom are like family, and are often as well-known to customers as the establishments themselves.
The letter then goes on to state the economic impact re: loss income, jobs etc.. Pretty much the same across the board as with all other business and industries, the letter notes that local bars and taverns are in a world of hurt.
The letter concludes as follows:
This May, join ABL and its state bar and tavern association affiliates nationwide in supporting some of the last truly Main Street businesses as they fight to keep serving their communities. With the help of their customers, communities, industry and elected leaders, they will meet this challenge and continue the great American traditions of conviviality and hospitality in what, despite these challenging times, remains the Friendliest Place in Town.
This Academy Award winning song from the movie Hustle and Flow came to mind. (That’s pre-Black-ish Anthony Anderson on the mixing board.)