Big Spring liquor store owners Stacy and Mark Barr were recently awarded the prestigious American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Retailer of the Year Award. The ABL award recognizes liquor store owners for the service and commitment to the beverage alcohol industry. The award was presented in New Orleans at the ABL Annual Convention on July 11, 2022. Store owners from across the country were in attendance for the presentation of the Retailer of the Year Award.
ABL is a National organization in Washington, D.C. that advocates on behalf of the primarily off-premise liquor store industry. Stacy and Mark Barr have been a part of this organization for years as well as members of their State organization, the Texas Package Stores Association (TPSA). TPSA is the voice of the liquor store industry at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas.
The TPSA Executive Committee voted to honor Stacy and Mark as the sole representative from the Great State of Texas. According to Austin Keith, President of TPSA, the award is not given every year, it recognizes the hard work by liquor store owners who have a community commitment to sell beverage alcohol responsibly.
He went on to say, “Stacy and Mark Barr are shining examples of what our industry stands for and promotes. Public safety and keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors is paramount for our communities and our children.”
Stacy and Mark were also recognized by their fellow liquor store owners on August 22nd in Dallas, Texas at the 75th Annual TPSA Convention and Trade Show.
“Stacy and Mark have an incredible grasp of this industry and the political savvy to understand the challenges we face in Austin,” said Lance Lively, Executive Director of TPSA.
“They understand that there’s a dangerous element out there that wants to treat beverage alcohol like any other commodity. They understand that selling alcohol is a serious business transaction and want to make sure we’re keeping alcohol out of the hands of our children.”
When asked how she felt about the recognition, Stacy had this to say, “American Beverage Licensees and Texas Package Store Association are vital to the liquor industry to maintain the integrity of our business. We are honored to accept this award from our peers and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
Stacy and Mark Barr are the owners and operators of Big Mike’s Farm Store, Big Mike’s Jr and Buckeasy’s by Big Mike in Big Spring, Texas.
(Courtesy Photo – L-R John Bodnovich – Executive Director American Beverage Licensees, Stacy and Mark Barr, owners of Big Mike’s and Austin Keith, President of Texas Package Store Assoc. and Owner of Pinkie’s Liquor Stores)
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