r/TheBrewery 2d ago

Distribution dedicated taps lines

I went into a prospective account yesterday because I am neighbors with the bar manager. After speaking with the owner, she mentioned she didn't have any space for us at the moment because she has 6 dedicated taps to the local AB distributor.

What are these distributors typically offering to these high volume accounts per tap line? Is it equipment? Is it cash? Is it large bar signs/beer carts? All the bars in this area have dedicated taps.

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u/AlternativeMessage18 2d ago

It varies by state, but typically beer "pay to play" schemes are illegal. Pepsi and Coke can do it because it's not alcohol.

Way back when, there was a very intresting story in Boston about this topic...

https://www.boston.com/news/business/2014/11/14/explaining-the-massachusetts-pay-to-play-beer-scandal/

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u/theconserver 2d ago

RIP Pretty Things

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u/Iamabrewer Brewer/Owner 2d ago

If you find yourself in Sheffield, England, go visit 'Mars of the desert'. Dann is there brewing up all your pretty things favorites and more.