Trade wars are shrinking my bar, one bottle at a time
The Hill
by Lynnette Marrero, opinion contributorFebruary 19, 2026
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Trade wars are taking a toll on American bars, one bottle at a time. The new tariffs imposed by the U.S. government were supposed to protect domestic industries and support small businesses, but for many bar owners, the reality has been different. Rising costs of imported beverages like wine and spirits have forced some establishments to reduce their inventory, cut hours, or even close down entirely. This unexpected consequence highlights the unintended effects of protectionist trade policies on smaller businesses and consumers.
The tariffs, which were part of a broader strategy to retaliate against foreign countries over various trade disputes, have made it more expensive for bars to source popular imported drinks. For example, a bottle of French wine that once cost $10 now costs $13 due to additional duties. Similarly, premium spirits from Scotland or Ireland are becoming prohibitively expensive for many bar owners. These increased costs
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/19/2026