Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services Launches New Podcast Series to Inform Residents and Businesses about Alcohol Products, Trends and Policies

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has introduced a new podcast series, Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services, to help residents and businesses understand alcohol products, trends and policies in Montgomery County. The first episode, “Welcome to Alcohol Beverage Services,” is available now.

The series pairs experts from ABS with outside guests to answer some of the most often-asked questions about alcohol sales, service and public health and safety. Listeners will learn what the liquor board does, how the highly allocated lotteries work, where the revenue goes and how they can find new, rare, innovative or local products.

“Alcohol Beverage Services adds so much value to our community, not just through the revenue it generates, but also by building health, safety, and equity into the system,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.  “I’m glad this podcast will help consumers understand the vast array of products and services available, but I’m even more pleased that residents will get to see how ABS benefits all of us whether or not you buy alcohol.”

The first episode introduces listeners to ABS’s three main functions—wholesale operations, retail stores, and licensing and regulation. In the podcast, ABS Director Kathie Durbin and Communications Manager Melissa Romeo join host Jocelyn Rawat to introduce listeners to the new premium retail brand, Oak Barrel & Vine, the department’s extensive warehouse and the role of the liquor board.

Upcoming episodes will explore the art and science of whiskey barrel picks, examine the control model for alcohol distribution and delve into the underage compliance check program.

“ABS represents one part of an impressive network in the alcohol space that also includes manufacturers, distributors, local small businesses, health and safety professionals, and regulatory authorities,” said Director Durbin. “By pairing ABS experts with guests from different parts of the industry, this podcast gives listeners a behind-the-scenes understanding of the way these sectors work together to ensure a diverse product selection, a healthy community, and a vibrant hospitality scene.”

The Alcohol Beverage Services podcast is posted on the department’s website at montgomerycountymd.gov/abs and is available on several podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to the podcast by selecting the “follow” or “plus” button on your provider’s podcast platform.

Listeners are encouraged to email ideas and questions for future podcasts to [email protected].

The Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Services (TEBS) is providing technical support for the ABS podcast.

ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 27 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement, and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating more than $35 million in net income annually, its profits are used to pay down County debt with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that otherwise would be funded by County tax dollars. Follow ABS on Facebook and X.

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Release ID: 24-362
Media Contact: Jocelyn Rawat 202-604-7289
Categories: ABS