ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), which represents the interests of more than 2,750 licensed beer distributors, together with the Brewers Association (BA) representing the nation’s craft brewers, helped kick off the holiday season last night in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill by treating guests to a Taste of the Holidays. With 28 craft breweries represented, the widely attended gathering showcased the wide variety of flavorful beers available to American consumers of legal drinking age.

Brewery representatives from as nearby as Virginia and far away as California gathered in the “people’s house” to share samples of their brews with guests. Attendees enjoyed samples of stouts, lagers, pale ales, wheat beers and lambics as well as limited-edition winter seasonal brews.

“We have unparalleled access in this country to a tremendous variety of styles and producers of beer. There are over 13,000 brands of beer available to consumers in America,” said NBWA President Craig Purser. “America’s beer distribution system, regulated by the states, is the crucial factor in bringing this selection to store shelves and bar taps. The system provides the best method for all breweries – large, medium and small – to get their products to diverse markets. It creates a level playing field for all brewers, retailers and consumers.”

The state-based distribution system ensures the collection of over $17 billion in state and local taxes and is critical in protecting American consumers from the counterfeit and poisonous alcohol that is prevalent in many other countries. America’s beer distributors are licensed and can only source alcohol from licensed importers and brewers and sell only to licensed retailers preventing gray markets, tax evasion and potential harmful substitutes from reaching the consumer.

The distribution system provides a transparent and accountable chain of custody in the sale of beer, making it easier to enforce state laws and local ordinances. The system also regulates retail sales, ensuring that retailers hold the appropriate license, do not sell to those under the legal drinking age, pay state and local taxes, and generally comply with state and local alcohol beverage laws.

In addition to providing a wide selection of choice to consumers at great value, the beer industry contributes more than $190 billion to the U.S. economy and provides $55 billion annually in wages and benefits. More than 91,000 hard-working men are women are employed in the beer distribution business, and they earn solid wages and receive generous benefits including medical insurance. The industry also plays a critical role in promoting responsible consumption of its products and has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in communities across the country to develop and implement numerous programs to promote responsibility and help fight alcohol abuse. These efforts, along with those of parents, law enforcement, educators, and other community groups have led to significant declines in illegal underage drinking and drunk driving for the past two decades.