Texas Package Stores Association from The TPSA Executive Director
Lance Lively
To Package Store Owners across the great State of Texas :
2020 has been a challenging year and nobody knows that better than YOU . When the COVID-19 pandemic hit back in March , the Texas Package Stores Association quickly shifted focus to address important key issues for our industry . Issues including keeping your doors open , curbside delivery , and a patch work of local ordinances plagued all aspects of the beverage alcohol business .
Our first priority was to keep your stores open . Working with Governor Abbott and legislative leaders across Texas , we were able to ensure that you were deemed an essential business under the Department of Homeland Security . I would like to thank the Governor ’ s office for working with TPSA throughout these unprecedented times in our State ’ s history .
Package store owners were not the only ones hit by the COVID-19 pandemic . The impact of the coronavirus is industry wide . Among the hardest hit are our partners in the bar and restaurant sector . It is expected that up to 50 % or more of this segment could be completely wiped out by the time we navigate through the tragic implications of this crisis .
TPSA collaborated with the Texas Restaurant Association to figure out a solution for mixed drinks to-go from restaurants ; which Governor Abbott then laid out in the midst of the crisis . We are continuing to work with our partners in the restaurant space to pass meaningful reforms when we enter the next legislative session that will begin January 12 , 2021 .
In addition to the restaurants , TPSA is working with bar owners across the state to find common sense solutions to get bars back open . The bar business is a big part of the social fabric of Texas and TPSA supports our partners in the industry .
I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank the hard-working staff and members of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission . They never sidestepped away from difficult discussions and have been extremely helpful on course corrections throughout the COVID-19 crisis .
Some of the things we have been working on during the pandemic will be revisited during the next session of the Texas Legislature . At this time , we do not know if your State Capitol will be open beginning in January . This is concerning because as the only lobby arm for Texas package stores , we need an opportunity to make your voices heard as legislators deliberate on bills that could impact your livelihood . We need to be cautious and vigilant in our approach to the legislative session and we will need your help .
Finally , if you are not a member of TPSA , I would encourage you to join today ! A membership application is enclosed at the back of the program . You are our greatest asset and our best lobby defense against bad legislative ideas .
Thank you for your service to the citizens of Texas !
2020 TPSA Program-5