WSWA President & CEO Michelle Korsmo Urges Governors to Keep Alcohol Retail Locations Open

Responsible Alcohol Sales During COVID-19 Are Essential
Mar 19, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 3/18/20 - Yesterday, WSWA CEO and President Michelle Korsmo sent a letter to 50 United States Governors urging them to keep local beverage alcohol retail locations open, citing public health and safety as a chief concern.

 

“If closures of these stores across localities or states occur inconsistently, there is an increased chance that people will travel interstate or among localities to find an open store with available supply, increasing risk of spread among communities,” wrote Korsmo. “Closing down regulated stores for consumers to access alcohol will likely encourage black market activity – specifically, illicit products and illegal, unlicensed, and untraceable sales and shipments from unknown  locations to consumers,” she warned.

 

She went on to urge governors to take advantage of/or implement provisions in state laws that allowed for curbside pick-up from retail locations, or delivery by employees over 21 years of age and finally, the bundling of food and alcoholic beverage orders by licensed restaurants.

 

Read the full text of the letter Korsmo sent to the Governors below:

 

Letter to State Governors Re: COVID-19Letter to State Governors Re: COVID-19 Pg. 2