Covid-19 – Our Spirit Of Resistance

From producing sanitizers and contributing to bartenders and to the hospitality trade, liquor industry associations are assisting the alcobev industry. Ulrich Adams, Director General spirits Europe, underlines the association's efforts to collaborate with the industry and see through the crisis.

The European spirits sector proudly produces high-quality spirits, from a great variety of agricultural products, that are enjoyed in bars, restaurants and homes all over Europe and the world. Today, many of those bars and restaurants are shuttered, the distilleries that welcome thousands of visitors each year are closed, and for millions of people, “a drink with friends” is suddenly no longer an option, at least for the next few weeks or months.

Our thoughts are first and foremost with those suffering and with the heroes of our health services and other public workers, who are on the frontline of this pandemic. Our thoughts are also with the bartenders, restaurant owners and hospitality professionals who serve our products and who are now out of work or facing unimaginable stress in difficult months ahead.

Our first priority is to support our authorities’ efforts to tackle the epidemic: the safety and health of these workers and their patrons, as well as their economic welfare.

We are heartened that many of our members have already taken action – establishing funds to support bartenders through this period, or converting their distilleries so that they can produce and donate tonnes of hand sanitizer to their local communities. Such initiatives would not be possible without the commitment and professionalism of our people who, regardless of their locations and roles, are willing to help. This shows the warmth and responsibility of our sector, and of this we are very proud.

Governments across the EU are experimenting with novel forms of support for these frontline workers. We very much welcome this and we encourage them to also look at reforms that will support the sector as a whole, and contribute to the economic recovery.