Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) the national trade association representing family-owned distributors today announced its opposition to legislation that would allow for the first time in its history, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to ship beverage alcohol via mail.
WSWA President and CEO Craig Wolf released the following statement regarding HR 4024, a bill authored by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA).
“Distributors and their employees, in every area of the country, set a high bar for philanthropy and community engagement,” said WSWA President and CEO Craig Wolf.
“This bill would undermine the consumer protections built into America’s alcohol distribution system. The American beverage alcohol industry offers consumers the safest and widest array of beverage alcohol products available anywhere in the world. This is made possible by state-based regulation systems that ensure public safety and guarantee product integrity. The proposed USPS delivery of alcohol would undermine those systems and jeopardize the industry’s record of success and responsibility.
“USPS shipment of alcohol would essentially create a “black market” channel for counterfeit and potentially adulterated alcohol to reach American consumers, including minors. The problem of counterfeit and tainted alcohol is widespread internationally, as recently seen at Mexican resorts where it harmed American tourists.
“USPS shipment of alcohol would also undermine state law and the long-established, long-upheld concept of primary state authority for the regulation of alcohol as provided by the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It would also create compliance, and reporting challenges the USPS is not equipped to address.
“The U.S. Postal Service runs billion dollar deficits each year. It should focus on addressing these systemic challenges and not pursue risky or ill-considered ventures that would provide minimal revenue while endangering the public.”
Click here to learn how a family-owned winery partnered with a wholesaler to build its brand and seek new market opportunities.
WSWA is the national trade association representing the distribution tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 380 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the U.S. Visit www.wswa.org to learn more.