WASHINGTON, D.C., 02/08/2021 – Last week, Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) joined American Beverage Licensees (ABL), American Distilled Spirits Alliance (ADSA) and National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) in sending a letter to Members of Congress in opposition to proposed legislation that would allow the United States Postal Service (USPS) to ship beverage alcohol.
“Proposed legislation to allow the US Postal Service to handle beverage alcohol is simply not a safe or responsible solution to answer the current significant needs of the USPS,” said WSWA CEO and President Michelle Korsmo. “Allowing the USPS to ship beverage alcohol would compromise the work of policy makers across America who work hard to control underage access to alcohol and keep moderate levels of consumption part of safe and healthy communities. Current regulations strike a good balance and have provided more than 85 years of effective state-based alcohol regulation and efficient taxation.”
The letter was written in opposition to elements set forth in H.R. 2517 or The United States Postal Service Shipping Equity Act introduced in the 116th Congress by Representative Jackie Speier to address the current financial needs of the USPS. It specifically addresses unfulfilled budget and concerns at both the federal and state level should the proposed legislation pass – potentially substituting one budgetary shortfall for another.
“The current system of alcohol regulation ensures the effective and reliable collection of state and local sales and excise taxes… The alcohol industry collectively contributes over $20 billion in annual tax revenue to state and local governments via sales and excise taxes on beverage alcohol…Past legislation has failed to explicitly address these important tax concerns and risks creating a dynamic where out-of-state retailers and sellers might forego or neglect the remittance of these taxes, thereby creating holes in state and local government budgets that would go unfilled,” cites the letter.
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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