Membership for Beer Distributors

Download Distributor Membership Application (PDF)
Regular voting membership in the Association shall be limited to independent distributors holding a basic permit under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act to distribute beer (or its equivalent for distributors operating in a U.S. territory or possession) and who subscribe to the mission and goals of the Association. A Regular member, however formed, who owns, controls or otherwise possesses more than one federal basic permit (regardless of location) may register as a Regular member for each licensed location; and each such membership shall have one vote (as set forth in Section 5.2).

To be eligible for regular membership, the applicant must represent itself to the trade and public as an independent wholesale distributor of beer (A) who regularly purchases beer as a principal from supplier(s); (B) whose primary business is offering for sale, storing, reselling, and physically transferring beer to non-affiliated firms holding retail licenses; and (C) who adds value to the product by such activities. A beer distributor whose operations are controlled in law or fact by a supplier shall be ineligible for Regular membership.

Reasons Membership in NBWA Protects Your Bottom Line...

Provides federal affairs lobbying to protect you in Congress.
National legislative and regulatory issues are top priorities for NBWA. The aggressive Federal Affairs staff continually meets with members of Congress, their staff and representatives of federal agencies to make certain that beer distributor positions are represented in the most direct and persuasive manner possible.

Provides pro-beer public affairs initiatives.
NBWA helps its members prepare for speaking to the media, legislators, business and civic groups and the general public. Through a variety of public relations resources, beer distributors are armed to talk about NBWA's core messages. NBWA's Public Affairs Department works to promote beer, beer distributors and NBWA's core messages in national media outlets.

Builds productivity and effectiveness of your operations.
NBWA provides value-added management tools to its membership. The Compensation and Benefits Study allows distributors to compare employee benefit and compensation packages. NBWA's Distributor Productivity Report is designed to help the distributor's business and strengthen the three-tier system.

Advances the three-tier system.
NBWA works to strengthen the three-tier system of beer distribution and to promote the interests of beer distributors. The Association works to provide information and data which will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of beer distributors in their relationships with suppliers, retailers, consumers, regulators and local officials.

NBWA is working with a variety of other organizations to promote lawful distribution that will further strengthen the three-tier system. NBWA will continue to provide services in the form of information and analysis regarding state and federal regulatory compliance. Educating industry allies, trading partners and consumers about the value-added services distributors provide is a major priority. NBWA's leadership in the Beer Industry Electronic Commerce Coalition (BIECC) has been key in assuring that everyone in the value chain understands how electronic commerce enhances the value of the three-tier system.

Enables you opportunities to network at beer industry's premier events.
The Annual Convention provides interesting and exciting speakers, innovative discussion topics, timely education seminars and the opportunity to meet with distributors and suppliers. Additionally, the Biennial Trade Show gives you an opportunity to view the latest in equipment, products and services offered to beer distributors. The NBWA/BREWERS Joint Legislative Conference, held annually in Washington, D.C., provides a forum for distributors to meet and discuss important issues with members of Congress.

Provides Programs That Save You Money.
NBWA partnered with an independent energy consulting firm, Affiliated Power Purchasers International, LLC (APPI), in order to offer members a program designed to help them reduce energy costs, the Energy Buyers Program. Through this program, APPI assists NBWA members with finding solutions to today's energy issues and with identifying opportunities to reduce electricity and natural gas costs.

Dues for beer distributor members are based on annual beer sales in dollars. The cost is $295 per million dollars in beer sales or use the formula .000295 x (your annual beer sales). There is no minimum dues amount and a maximum of $50,000 per year.

To find out if you are eligible for membership, or for more information on membership in the National Beer Wholesalers Association, contact the Membership Department at 800-300-6417.