Over the past 10 years or so, the US Supreme Court, along with a number of State and Federal regulatory agencies, have rolled back many of the archaic laws preventing consumers from purchasing wine from purveyors out of their home states. The laws that regulated inter-state wine shipping were designed to protect the monopolies that various distributors held, protecting their profits, but little else.
Today, 37 states allow the interstate shipment of wines via common carrier to adult consumers. 13 states still prohibit, or severely regulate these shipments for no reason other than to protect special interest groups who contribute heavily to legislative campaigns.
That ugly prospect is rearing its head once again in several states, including Florida, as special interest groups, especially the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America trade organization, once again seek to eliminate your right to purchase wines from whom you choose. Their argument is specious, to say the least. Their main argument is that these laws are needed to prevent teenagers from purchasing wine online. According to a WSWA press release, “Millions of kids buy internet alcohol,” but on closer examination, the Wall Street Journal debunked that claim, citing more realistic information about the practice. In fact, the idea of a group of teens debating on whether to purchase Chardonnay or a nice Pinot Noir for their next party, and from which winemaker they’d like to order, belongs more in a sitcom than in any serious discussion.
If you are a wine consumer, given that you are reading this article, it’s likely, please visit one of the following links, and register your protest with your Senator and your Representative, and tell them to keep their hands off of our wine!
ALL wine lovers, click here...
Florida wine lovers, click here ...
Massachusetts wine lovers, click here ...
New Jersey wine lovers, click here...
Maryland wine lovers, click here ...
and please visit the Free the Grapes website for more information, and to keep abrest of this issue
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