WASHINGTON, D.C., 08/02/2021 – The Wine & Spirit Wholesalers of America (WSWA) issued the below statement on President Biden’s recent Executive Order on promoting competition in the American economy:
“WSWA welcomes the opportunity to more deeply explore how a robust federal and state regulatory environment has created the safest, most competitive, and most successful alcohol marketplace in the world. Federal alcohol regulations coexist with the Twenty-First Amendment, giving every state the right to regulate alcohol as they see fit. Keeping the alcohol marketplace competitive is paramount. In fact, weakening of the federal regulatory structure would put craft brands at a severe disadvantage to compete against the biggest brands.
The current federal and state alcohol regulatory framework provides for the world’s most diverse marketplace. Over the past decade, craft, startup and small production wine and spirits have become one of the largest growth segments in the industry.
Deregulation enables predatory behavior and puts consumers at risk of becoming victim to counterfeit and illicit alcohol, as well as increases the risk of underage access of a socially sensitive product. Current regulations effectively keep illicit alcohol out of the marketplace, give regulators tools to detect and deter counterfeit products, and decreases the risk of underage access and impaired driving.
The Executive Order directs Treasury to prepare two reports, only after those reports are issued will we have an idea if any regulatory or legislative action will follow. WSWA is prepared to engage the appropriate regulatory agencies to discuss and review the value of the three-tier system.
WSWA always engages the White House and Congress. We want to help the Administration ensure we have a well-regulated alcohol industry and will certainly seek input on changes they propose.”
About Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America
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 United States.
To learn more, please visit www.wswa.org or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.
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