Legislation Would Permit Alcoholic Delivers Via The Mail

On Thursday, Central Washington representative Dan Newhouse introduced legislation he said will increase market access for local breweries and wineries.  Newhouse, along with Virginia’s Suhas Subramanyam introduced the bipartisan USPS Shipping Equity Act, which if approved would allow the United States Postal Service to ship alcoholic beverages to consumers.

"The wine, beer, and spirits industries are at a real disadvantage in delivering their high-quality products across the country," Newhouse said.  "While other carriers deliver alcohol, current law prohibits the United States Postal Service from doing so.  This legislation supports small craft breweries and wineries in rural areas like Central Washington and offers new opportunities for market access through the USPS.  I thank Rep. Subramanyam for joining me in introducing this bipartisan legislation as we work to unlock the USPS for our local producers."

"This prohibition era restriction on the Postal Service is unnecessary and imposes on consumers and our small businesses," Subramanyam added. "I’m thrilled to partner with Congressman Newhouse on a bipartisan fix to expand opportunities available to our local breweries, vineyards, and distilleries and provide a new source of revenue for USPS."

The legislation would allow the Post Office to ship directly from licensed producers and retailers to consumers over the age of 21, in accordance with state and local laws.

The legislation is supported by industry partners including the American Craft Spirits Association and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association.

"We thank Representatives Newhouse and Subramanyam for their bipartisan legislation," said Margie A.S. Lehrman, CEO of the American Craft Spirits Association, said.  "As our small, domestic businesses have grown over the past 15 years, allowing the USPS to ship craft spirits will provide access to another important delivery option for small distillers in the U.S.  Many of those distilleries are located in rural areas where support of their local Main Street matters. Access to the thirty-one thousand post offices in the U.S. would be a game changer, helping their small businesses to succeed and grow. We hope the Congress will act soon on this important small business initiative."

 "The NRLCA thanks Congressman Newhouse and Congressman Subramanyam for introducing the USPS Shipping Equity Act, legislation that modernizes outdated regulations and allows the Postal Service to deliver products like wine, beer, and spirits," said Don Matson, President of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, said.  "This act promotes fairness by allowing USPS to compete on equal footing with private carriers, creating new opportunities for rural communities and small businesses to expand through USPS’s reliable service. It also generates revenue that can be reinvested to improve customer service. It's a commonsense reform that helps USPS meet the needs of modern society and drive economic growth across the country."

Click Here to read the USPS Shipping Equity Act in its entirety.

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