Beer, Wine & Liquor Lobbying Profile (2024)

As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the realm of lobbying and financial expenditures, I've navigated the intricate landscape of political influence, particularly within the alcohol industry. My expertise is underscored by an exhaustive understanding of lobbying dynamics, financial data interpretation, and the symbiotic relationship between corporations and government entities.

Now, let's delve into the provided information, breaking down the intricate details and shedding light on the significant players and their financial contributions:

1. Total Spending on Beer, Wine & Liquor in 2021: $29,902,282

   • This figure encapsulates the substantial financial investment made by various entities in the beer, wine, and liquor sector to influence political decisions and policies.

2. Number of Clients: 42

   • The 42 clients signify a diverse range of stakeholders within the industry, each with unique interests and lobbying objectives.

3. Number of Lobbyists/Percent of Former Government Employees: 275 (77.45%)

   • The presence of 275 lobbyists, with a noteworthy 77.45% comprising former government employees, suggests a strategic effort to leverage insider knowledge and relationships to advance the industry's interests.

4. Annual Lobbying on Beer, Wine & Liquor

   • The absence of specific figures makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact annual lobbying expenditure. However, it is evident that substantial resources are dedicated to lobbying efforts, as indicated by the overall spending figure.

Moving on to the contributions made by key players in the industry:

• Anheuser-Busch InBev: $5,040,000
• Distilled Spirits Council: $4,580,000
• Molson Coors Brewing: $2,840,000
• Diageo PLC: $2,710,000
• Beer Institute: $2,660,000
• Pernod Ricard: $2,380,000
• Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America: $1,290,000
• Brown-Forman Corp: $1,200,000
• Suntory Holdings: $1,110,000
• National Beer Wholesalers Assn: $850,000

These figures underscore the significant financial backing these entities provide to influence legislation and regulatory frameworks in their favor.

It's essential to note that the data, based on calculations by OpenSecrets, offers a comprehensive view of spending from January 1 to September 30, with prior years encompassing spending from January through December. The intricate web of contributions and lobbying activities underscores the complex interplay between the alcohol industry and political decision-making processes.