9 & 10 News
May 13, 2021
You could be seeing a lot more people leaving home without their masks.
The CDC has released new mask guidelines that state anyone who is fully vaccinated is no longer required to wear a mask.
Business owners have big decision to make, require masks or don’t.
The Grand Traverse Distillery says this puts employees in a tough spot.
“Asking somebody for their medical information and show me your vaccination card- either way it’s going to be extreme awkward,” said Owner Kent Rabish.
At this point, the distillery says it will continue to require masks until the state says otherwise.
New Fund Will Provide Aid to Craft Distillers
Kent Rabish, founder of Traverse City Distillery in Michigan, will serve as board president for the newly created Spirit Hub Independent Distillery Preservation Fund.
Update 4/13/21: The Spirit Hub Independent Distillery Preservation Fund is now accepting grant applications from independent distillers. Those that qualify will be able to apply for up to $5,000 in funding. Applications can be found on the
It has been a particularly
difficult year for craft distilleries, as the closure of tasting rooms, bars, and restaurants due to COVID-19 has significantly impacted their revenue streams. In response, e-commerce site
Spirit Hub has announced a new nonprofit organization to provide financial assistance to independent craft distillers via grants.
9 & 10 News
December 10, 2020
But Traverse City Tourism says that this just a bandaid to a much bigger problem.
Traverse City Tourism CEO and President, Trevor Tkach, says, “It’s just a delay and as nice as that is it’s not going to solve the issues that a lot of these restaurateurs are going through right now. They need real help.”
The extension will allow 31 extra days for effected businesses to make their December sales, use and withholding tax monthly payment.
The new deadline will now be January 20th.
Trevor Tkach is also a board member for the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association.