The council released a statement, infuriated that distillers would have to pay thousands of dollars after stepping up to produce hand sanitizer, which was in high demand but short supply early in the pandemic. “This incredibly frustrating news comes as a complete shock to the more than 800 distilleries across the country that came to the aid of their local communities and first responders. This unexpected fee serves to punish already struggling distilleries who jumped in at a time of need to do the right thing,” said Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Chris Swonger. “Everyone was totally blindsided by FDA’s announcement and as a result, craft distillers across the country are scrambling to understand and respond. Given all that’s happened in 2020, the timing of this news could not be worse. The $14,000 fee being assessed could certainly put many of these small family owned businesses out of business," Phil McDaniel, CEO of St. Augustine Distillery and Chair of the DISCUS Craft Advisory Council, said in the statement.