Beer Institute, Steel Keg Association, DHL Join Forces to Support Economic Relief for Retail Partners and Their Employees

Austin Event Celebrates Hospitality Heroes, Promotes Bipartisan CHEERS Act Legislation

AUSTIN-Today, DHL, the Steel Keg Association (SKA) and the Beer Institute hosted an event at Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden in Austin to bring attention to the bipartisan federal Creating Hospitality Economic Enhancement for Restaurants and Servers (CHEERS) Act. This legislation aims to alleviate financial strain on America's hospitality and retail sector, including taprooms, restaurants, bars and venues by encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient draft beer systems.

The CHEERS Act could provide a lifeline for bars, brew pubs, venues, and restaurants across the nation. By incentivizing the use of steel kegs and draft systems, it would not only help businesses reduce costs but also contribute to a more sustainable future for the beer industry," said Brian Crawford, president and CEO of the Beer Institute, a national trade association for the American brewing industry. "This legislation is a win for local businesses, beer lovers, the environment, and the 200,000 Texans whose jobs depend on beer.

The event also honored Banger's owner Ben Siegel and Operation BBQ Relief Co-Founder and CEO Stan Hays for their contributions to the industry and disaster relief efforts. Siegel received the Steel Keg Association's Keg Champion Award for his leadership in embracing sustainable practices by utilizing reusable steel kegs. Operation BBQ Relief received a $1,000 check for the organization's tireless work to bring more than 11 million meals to communities and first responders in need after natural disasters, including the recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Banger's is a staple on Rainey Street in Austin and has brought good times and good beers for more than a decade. As a 2024 Keg Champion, we're so pleased that they have chosen to support Operation BBQ Relief, an incredible organization that demonstrates the heart and resilience of the hospitality community," said Steel Keg Association Chairman Michael Hranicka. "We're also proud to support a bill like the CHEERS Act that uplifts restaurants and bars, helping them serve their communities not only through great food and drinks but also through acts of service when disaster strikes.

DHL is a leader in delivering sustainable kegs to our retail partners throughout the United States, helping beer drinkers in every state enjoy beer at its freshest," said Andrea Bullard, business development manager for DHL. "That's why we're excited to champion the CHEERS Act. We believe it represents a powerful move towards a greener future in the world of draft beverages.

To learn more about the CHEERS Act or to lend support, visit CHEERSAct.org.

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About the CHEERS Act:

Since 2005, the tax code has provided the Section 179D deduction for qualifying investments in energy-efficient systems on commercial premises. This provision would be expanded to apply to all new keg and tap properties, incentivizing the use of draft lines and keg equipment in taprooms, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

About the Beer Institute:

The Beer Institute is a national trade association for the American brewing industry, representing brewers, beer importers, and industry suppliers.

About the Steel Keg Association:

The Steel Keg Association promotes the environmental and economic benefits of reusable steel kegs for bars, breweries, and consumers across the U.S.

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