[BND] Kane's Beverage News Daily

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Now that our technology issues are almost resolved, we begin this morning in South Carolina where a bill to toughen the state's DUI statute was sunk by hemp beverage advocates and then we move on to another decline in Total Alcohol sales, reported courtesy of NIQ.

Hemp Beverage Advocates Kill Deal on SC Bill to Crack Down on DUIs

Faster drug screenings, legal limits on THC and longer jail sentences for people suspected of driving under the influence who refuse to take breathalyzer tests were part of a compromise South Carolina legislators laid out in June to tighten the Palmetto State's drunk driving statutes. It died last week, after the bill was merged with hemp-derived THC driving regulations including blood-THC limits for driving under the influence of cannabis/hemp products.

Total Alc Continues to Lag 2025; Prepared Cocktails Slipped into Declines

Overall, latest category performance highlights both the volatile and divergent features characterized by alcohol. Prepared Cocktails lost some footing as the crucial industry growth engine. Beer is losing the traction it had established throughout early and mid-summer. Wine continues to face muted performance, while Spirits remains the most resilient of the core categories, sustaining its position as the most stable decliner. Dollar sales for Total Alcohol fell 3.6% from a year earlier to $8.5

Why U.S. News Ranks Southern Glazer's a 'Best Firm to Work For'

U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, named Southern Glazer’s one of the 2026-2027 Best Companies to Work For in Consumer Products, Internships, and the South, for team members on factors most heavily considered by job seekers during their employment search. The Company prioritizes the physical, psychological, and financial wellbeing of its workforce through a comprehensive benefits offering and its signature “Be You, Only Better” (BYOB) wellbeing pro

New: Champagne Telmont Reserve Rose

Champagne Telmont has released its new cuvée, Réserve Rosé (SRP: $94.50). Vinified as a Brut nature, the rare, singular blended rosé is composed of 88% Chardonnay, 12% Meunier and no added sugar at disgorgement. * About the grapes: Grapes sourced from several complementary terroirs, with three major crus providing the foundation of the cuvée’s distinctive character: Songy, Damery and Avize terroirs. As a Brut Nature, this cuvée requires grapes of impeccable ripeness, great viticultural and win

Montanya Rum Names Advisory Panel

Montanya Rum, a Crested Butte, Colo., women-owned B-Corp Certified Beverage Company, named its advisory committee, comprised of some of the most reputable, globally recognized experts across the wider beverage industry:

Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow. – Joel