Dear friends of BENDT Distilling Co,

We know that most small businesses are suffering through the current global crisis, and that our struggle looks much like so many of our neighbors. Supporting local and shopping small has never been so important. Even small purchases can mean the world to a small business, and just a few of those could mean the difference between staying in business or closing shop. 

Craft distilleries are struggling as a whole at the moment. While big brands do better than ever and continue to have record-setting sales, the small guys are being forced to scale back, let go of valued team members and close their doors. This small part of the spirits industry stepped up when our local communities called for help this spring, making and donating millions of gallons of hand sanitizer throughout Texas alone. When we have called for help, doors have been slammed in our face. To be clear, what we've requested is not money, but rather just a loosening of severely outdated restrictions, so that we may attempt to save our own businesses. For example, allowing us to ship bottles to our own customers, sell more than 2 bottles per customer/per month or have our products available for local (age verified) delivery would be a great start. We've asked, no we've BEGGED for this relief from Governor Abbott, but instead of allowing us this form of contactless and completely safe relief at ZERO COST to the government, we've been shut down and told that we're on our own without a life raft. All we're asking for is relief in the form of a signature.

We've worked within the outdated, archaic and restrictive regulations for years. While other states encourage craft distilleries to flourish, we are being strangled. The regulations have always been ridiculous, but now they're costing us our livelihoods. If change does not come quickly, more craft distilleries will close, more jobs will be lost and more communities will be left without the vibrant contributions that our small businesses bring. Now is the time to make your voices heard. 

To say "thank you" for your continued support is just not enough. Without our community, we would not be here. Thank you 100 times over.

Natasha & Ryan DeHart

Please see below for additional reading on outdated and restrictive laws, the closing of our businesses and how to get involved. 

Texas craft distillery restricted sales - the basics:

  • No Sunday or holiday sales

  • No more than 2 bottles per person, per month

  • No bottles larger than 750ml

  • Max total volume sold per year of 3500 gallons (in bottles) and 3000 gallons (in cocktails)

  • No shipping / no delivery

TABC official communication: https://www.tabc.state.tx.us/public_information/notices/2013/DistillersLetter.pdf

Required tasting hall closure - tasting halls being categorized as "bars" (note - we proactively closed our tasting hall as a precaution in mid-March 2020): https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-28_targeted_response_to_reopening_COVID-19.pdf 

On June 4, 2020, we re-opened our outdoor space, renting outdoor restrooms and handwashing/sanitizing stations, organizing seating areas to accommodate ~10 ft of space between tables, implemented contactless payment transactions, posted health and safety signage throughout, roped off walkways and offered free hand sanitizer bottles to any guest wearing a mask (pre state mandate). We went above and beyond to keep our guests, team and community safe. On July 23, 2020, TABC released additional information informing Texas breweries, wineries and distilleries that we must close our outdoor spaces immediately. Details: https://www.tabc.state.tx.us/coronavirus/ Please note that restaurants are still allowed to serve food and drinks both indoors and in their outdoor spaces. 

Recent press on these changes:

Long-term (and major) issue with FET (Federal Excise Tax) increases, set to be in place on January 1, 2021 if permanent changes in the tax code are not made before this date. 

Contact information for your legislators to request support for S.362 / H.R.1175 - permanent changes to FET for craft distillers: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

COVID-19 Info & Updates

Updated 7/24/20 to include TABC required closure of outdoor spaces and patios.

The BENDT Distilling Co. outdoor whiskey garden is currently only open for purchase pickup. In cases of inclement weather, we will be closed. Please note that all indoor areas of BENDT Distilling Co. will remain completely closed to the public until further notice. Please note that face masks are required for any customer picking up an order from our outdoor retail counter (in the whiskey garden).

THE INFORMATION BELOW IS APPLICABLE FOR TIMES WHEN OUR WHISKEY GARDEN IS OPEN FOR ON-SITE COCKTAIL CONSUMPTION. AS OF 7/24/20, THE WHISKEY GARDEN GATE IS ONLY OPEN FOR PURCHASE PICKUP.

Health & safety:

***Face masks / coverings are required on distillery property. Face masks must be kept on whenever food or beverage is not being consumed. See below (Facilities) for additional details. Please maintain a social distance of 6+ feet from all other guests.
***All of our staff will be wearing gloves and a mask. Gloves will be changed and/or hands will be washed after each interaction.
***All team members check in at the beginning of each shift and fill out a brief health questionnaire in addition to taking their temperature immediately upon arrival at the distillery.
***If you are showing any signs of illness or have a fever, please stay home and come see us another time.
***We reserve the right to refuse service to any customer not following current local, state and federal guidelines.

Facilities:

***We are operating at limited capacity, and our garden tables are spaced ~10 ft apart. Please do not move tables or any items in the whiskey garden. One group is allowed per table - max group size of 6 people. Larger groups are not allowed at this time. Individuals joining us for a cocktail must be seated at their table before removing their masks to enjoy their beverage. Masks must be kept on when food or beverages are not being consumed. Please do not congregate in groups of more than 6 people, and do not partake in activities that encourage contact or the spread of germs (dancing, hugging, kissing, handshaking, high-fives). If a table is not available, please come back later or at another time.
***Two outdoor restrooms are available for customer use. Additionally, there are two handwashing stations and two hand sanitizing stations available in the garden area.
***Our garden, outdoor restrooms, and tables are for distillery customers only. Tables and all other surfaces in the whiskey garden will be sanitized regularly and between uses.
***All inside areas of the distillery are currently closed. Please do not enter and do not venture into areas other than those marked for visitors.
***Hand sanitizer and handwashing stations will be made available to all guests. Please use them regularly.

Food / Drink / Take-home bottles / Orders:

***Orders may be placed at our outdoor garden bar. Please do not stand at or near the bar if you are not ordering. Be sure to give other guests plenty of space (6+ feet). Craft cocktails are limited to 2 cocktails per person, and bottle sales are limited to 2 bottles per person, per month. Take home commemorative bottles are for off-site consumption only and must remain sealed for the duration of your visit. Hand sanitizer purchases are not limited, and bottles are available by the case.
***All payments are contactless and must be made by credit card. Cash is not accepted at this time.
***All consumables are served in single-use disposable containers with lids. Please properly dispose of all materials after use and do not leave any trash behind for others to pick up. No outside food or beverage is allowed.

Our response to COVID-19

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and resulting shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), BENDT Distilling Co. was the first in Texas to begin producing hand sanitizer on March 12, 2020 and donating it to Lewisville locals the following day. Within the week, our friends, neighbors, and industry partners began donating resources to help in this effort to stop the spread.

With that generous support, we’ve been able to donate tens of thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer to the community, hospitals, local first responder units, and to both the Dallas and Denton Counties, with over 70,000 bottles donated so far. We are forever grateful to each and every one of those who have supported the cause, and to simply say "thank you" is not nearly enough. Thank you 100 times over. Our commUNITY has never been stronger.

A Special Thanks

We'd like to show our incredible appreciation for the following persons and businesses who have made significant contributions to our efforts to locally combat Covid-19:

How To Sanitize Your Hands Properly

Hand cleaner only works if you're using the right techniques. Watch this video to learn how to properly wash and sanitize your hands, noting that hand sanitizer should be applied (not rinsed) in the same way as soap. Keep doing your part!

Video Created By Babylon Health

QUARENTINE 2020_2.JPG
QUARENTINE 2020_12.JPG
IMG_2632.jpg
IMG_2739.jpg
QUARENTINE 2020_22.JPG
QUARENTINE 2020_14.JPG
QUARENTINE 2020_37.JPG
IMG_2931.jpg
QUARENTINE 2020_19.JPG
IMG_2711.jpeg