For most people, an occasional glass of beer is a refreshing accompaniment to your favorite foods or the perfect brew to mark a special celebration. For the over 450 members of the Malt Beverage Distributors Association, beer is also very serious business. Our malt products make a significant economic contribution to the Pennsylvania economy through employment and taxes. We’re also very serious about the safety of our customers – and the health of future consumers.

Even as the Association’s President, I can’t help but be impressed by our members’ commitment to responsible adult consumption. When we ask for a sampling of programs and partners that MBDA members support, the list can include dozens of important efforts. School, church and youth groups include Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the Catholic Youth Organization. At the young adult level, we work with Dickinson University’s Public Safety Department. Among adults, we partner with the Council on Chemical Abuse, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the Sheriffs’ Association, and regional alcohol and drug services.

The statistical results of these efforts are encouraging. During 2006, drunk-driving-related fatalities dropped 7.4% over the prior year, according to the federal Department of Transportation.

To protect future generations of responsible beer consumers, MBDA members are putting years of experience – and state-of-the-art technology – to work to prevent underage drinking. Beyond being the “right thing to do,” it’s a matter of enlightened self interest to prevent illegal sales of alcohol to minors. We train our employees not to sell beer to minors or intoxicated adults. We participate in alcohol awareness and educational programs throughout the Commonwealth. We even offer members discounts on the latest equipment to verify the age of would-be buyers.

Our local distributors reach out into their home communities to spread the message about the risks of underage consumption. They participate with College Action Against Underage Drinking, as well as Cops in Shops, the DARE Program, Family Talk, Project Sticker Shock and other initiatives – even speaking to groups of young people at local schools. These merchants certainly can be proud to be on the right side of trends showing a reduction in the number of drinking fatalities.

Beyond our specific interests in consumer safety and well being, beer distributors are also part of the broader fabric of community life. If someone in your family has been involved in youth or school athletics, band or theatre groups, parades, fair or festivals, you have probably seen how MBDA members invest in their communities. Our members support local churches, clubs, recreational teams, as well as scouts, health and research organizations, social service agencies and veterans groups – through gifts of snacks, ice, drinks, hats and shirts or gift certificates.

So why would beer distributors contribute to school scholarships, youth ministries, service organizations and hospitals? Because we’re an active part of the communities where we live and work. Beer distributors, the heart of the Commonwealth’s three-tier system, are local employers who provide jobs for approximately 10,000 workers statewide. In addition, we market a product that generates considerable federal, state and local tax revenue, as well as nearly $1.1 million in annual license and filing fees.

We value our role in the community – as the source of great products, as a financial and charitable backbone for our neighborhoods, and a supporter of community pride. We also realize that it is beer distributors who make Pennsylvania’s three-tier system work. We provide the crucial link between producers and consumers, offering the greatest range of choices for customers and maximum revenues for the Commonwealth.

Cheers!

Dave Shipula, President
Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania

Learn more about MBDAPA »