The Beer, Wine & Spirits Radio Show

Tune in every Friday at 2:00PM to WSAR1480AM
Hosted by Massachusetts Package Stores Association Executive Director and General Counsel, Robert Mellion

The Massachusetts Package Stores Association is eager to announce the debut of “The Beer, Wine & Spirits” radio program on June 7, 2019 at 2:00 pm on WSAR1480AM and www.wsar.com. The Beer, Wine and Spirits show is part of MPSA’s year-round effort aimed at educating consumers to shop at independently owned retailers of beer, wine and spirits. For too long there has been an absence of a supportive voice within the media for independently owned retailers of beer, wine and spirits. Beginning this June, MPSA will be providing interesting and helpful content to consumers on a weekly basis that connects them to independently owned stores across Massachusetts and the country.

The Beer, Wine & Spirits Show will discuss products and services available at independent retail stores across Massachusetts. The show will also spotlight issues and news relevant to independent retailers and the Alcohol Beverages Industry. Moreover, the program will serve as an information resource directed by independent retailers to educate consumers about beer, wine and spirits. The show additionally serves as a platform for MPSA to communicate with all stakeholders about the value of independent retailers and the 3-tier system that supports the alcohol beverages industry in Massachusetts.

The format of the show is a weekly, hour long radio program produced and sponsored by MPSA in partnership with WSAR1480AM. It will air live on WSAR1480AM, www.wsar.com, and Facebook Live every Friday, from 2-3 p.m., beginning on June 7th. Podcasts of shows will be uploaded to YouTube and will be available for on demand download to MPSA members via the www.masspack.org website and www.wsar.com.

MPSA encourages the membership to get involved with The Beer, Wine & Spirits show by suggesting topics and serving as guests. Membership involvement will ensure the success of the program. Those who have suggestions should submit them to info@masspack.org or call the MPSA office at 508-366-1100. You may also wish to advertise with WSAR or call into a live airing of the show and take part in a discussion with a guest or panelist. So be sure to listen to The Beer, Wine & Spirits Show on WSAR1480AM every Friday at 2:00 p.m.

Click Below to Listen to previous episodes:

January 24th On today's program Rob will speak with Ryan Maloney, President of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and the owner of Julio's Liquors in Westborough. Ryan will update listeners about efforts by MPSA to address tariffs, the Cumberland Farms ballot question and the legislative push by big businesses to take control of the AB marketplace.

January 17th On this week's program Rick Curtis of Curtis Liquors is the guest for the hour. Curtis Liquors served as a go-to retailer for craft beers, fine wine, and artisan spirits on the South Shore of MA for over 5 decades. Rick shares his insights with Rob about tariffs, direct shipping and many other issues.

January 10th Rob Mellion is joined by guest, Sam Hendler, co-founder of Jack's Abby Craft Lagers. Jack’s Abby is a MA craft brewer who has made a name for itself all across New England, and the world.

December 20th Rob Burns, the Co-Founder & President of Night Shift Brewing Co. joins host Rob Mellion to discuss some challenges that are being faced by the craft beer industry as spiked seltzers continue to be market movers.

December 13th Adam Romanow, Founder and President of Castle Island Brewing Company joined Rob in discussing the craft brewing industry.

December 6th This is a SPECIAL EDITION discussion with Chris R. Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council. Chris Swonger is a long-time government affairs executive and an alcohol beverages industry veteran. He and Rob discuss the state of the AB Industry going into 2020.

November 15th This week’s discussion is about insurance needs for liquor stores. This can be a very complicated issue, but it is important. Rob is by Jason Rua, President & CEO at Rua Dumont Audet Insurance Agency, Inc.

November 8th Rob updates listeners on what's happening currently with the Cumberland Farms Ballot Initiative.

November 1st John Bodnovich, Executive Director of the American Beverages Licensees, will talk with Rob about why November is Package Liquor Store Month.

October 18th Tariffs, illegal direct shipping and the many assaults to the 21st Amendment are topics covered on this week’s show.

October 11th This week Rob discusses Beverage Alcohol Training for retail stores across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

October 4th This week’s show features guest Noah Friedman, Director of Strategy and Operations at 3X3 Insights. Rob and Noah will be discussing the latest trends in the alcohol beverage industry going into the fall season.

September 27th Bill Kelley, President of the Beer Distributors of Massachusetts and former General Counsel of the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (“ABCC”), talks with Rob about the three-tier system.

September 20th The Cumberland Farms Ballot Initiative to aiming at granting unlimited Beer & Wine Licenses in “Food Stores” is discussed in detail.

September 13th Rob and guest, Atty. Walter Sullivan has been following the emergence of the legal cannabis industry in MA.

September 6th Rob discusses the complexities involving direct to consumer shipping of spirits. He will also talk about the impacts of cross border sales activities.

August 30th Rob Mellion dives into the topic of the ballot question initiated by Cumberland Farms earlier this month to eliminate the cap on liquor licenses in the state.

August 16th Guest, Jason Ollerhead, owner/operator of Somerset Liquors and host, Rob Mellion discuss the history of this family owned and operated local business, and what makes them unique and successful in this competitive environment.

August 9th MPSA's President, Ben Weiner returns to the show. Among other topics, Ben and Rob discuss this week's decision by the SJC of Massachusetts against Total Wine & Spirits and answer other listener questions.he state.

August 2nd MPSA Executive Director and show host, Rob Mellion answers questions from listeners about issues impacting the alcohol beverages industry.

July 26th MPSA's President, Ben Weiner returns to the show. Among other topics, Ben and Rob discuss this week's decision by the SJC of Massachusetts against Total Wine & Spirits and answer other listener questions.

July 19th Rob Mellion and William Flanagan discuss CBD & Hemp derived products and issues impacting the budding cannabis industry.

July 12th Interview and discussion with MassPack’s former Executive Director for 23 years, Frank Anzalotti.

July 5th Rob Mellion answers listeners questions and emails as well as discusses this week’s industry Hot Topics.

June 28th Interview and Discussion with Mark Lenzi, owner of Franklin’s Liquors and host of The Wonderful World of Wine.

June 21st Interview Dr. Don Livermore, Master Blender for Hiram Walker Distillery in Windsor, Ontario

June 14th Rob Mellion discusses analytics with Mike Provance, CEO of 3X3 Insights and Noah Friedman, COO at 3X3 Insights

June 10th Premier episode featuring an interview with MPSA’s President and owner of Sav-Mor Liquor, Ben Weiner