Montgomery County launched a new podcast series entitled, Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS), to help residents and businesses understand alcohol products, trends and policies in the county.
The first episode, “Welcome to Alcohol Beverage Services,” is available now.
The series pairs experts from ABS with outside guests to answer 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.
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 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 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 can email ideas for future podcasts to abs.spiriteddiscussions@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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.
Check out our new #ABSPodcast about alcohol products, trends, and policies in Montgomery County. The series pairs experts from ABS with outside guests to answer the most often-asked questions. Download episode 1, Welcome to Alcohol Beverage Services. https://t.co/8hJ6qg5kpi pic.twitter.com/v5XaPeoeSH
— Alcohol Beverage Services (@ABSMoCo) August 14, 2024
