About the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is a na- tional trade association representing producers and marketers of dis- tilled spirits sold in the United States. Over the years, the Council has served as the distillers voice on policy and legislative issues at the federal, state, and international levels. Our member companies take every step to encourage adults who chose to drink to enjoy beverage alcohol products responsibly. This commitment to quality and social responsibility has been, and will continue to be, the cornerstone of the distilled spirits industry. Industry Highlights ! The distilled spirits industry generates $95 billion in U.S. eco- nomic activity annually. ! Over 1.3 million people are employed in the United States through the manufacture, distribution and sale of distilled spir- its. ! Jobs within the distilled spirits industry account for more than $28 billion in U.S. wages. DISCUS Member Companies ! Bacardi USA, Inc ! Barton Incorporated ! Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc ! Brown-Forman Corporation ! Diageo ! Imperial Brands, Inc ! Luxco, Inc ! Moºt Hennessy USA ! Patrn Spirits Company ! Pernod Ricard USA ! RØmy Cointreau USA, Inc ! Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc ! Suntory International Corp. Distilled Spirits Council of the United States 1250 Eye Street NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 2005 202.628.3544 www.discus.org The Federal Excise Tax on Beverage Alcohol Increasing the Burden on Consumers and the Hospitality Industry DISTILLED SPIRITS COUNCIL OF THE UNITED STATES