News Legislation to Allow USPS to Ship Beer is Introduced in Congress

Legislation was introduced yesterday in Washington DC that would allow the USPS to ship alcohol in states where it is currently legal to do. The United States Postal Service (USPS) Shipping Equity Acy was introduced by Representatives Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

Direct shipping to the consumer (DTC) helped many craft brewers stay afloat during the pandemic as their tasting rooms and most on-premise accounts were forced to close. The USPS Shipping Equity Act would allow for another shipping option in addition to private carriers such as FedEx and UPS.

“The Brewers Association applauds the introduction of the USPS Shipping Equity Act. The pandemic has shown the increased demand for direct-to-consumer delivery of beer, and the viability of shipping as a way for breweries to get a broad variety of their product to market. As alcohol shipping laws become commonplace in more states, consumers, small and independent breweries, and the postal service would all benefit if the USPS could legally and safely ship alcohol in states where it is legal to do so,” Bob Pease, President and CEO of the Brewers Association said in a statement.

The legislation is opposed by the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), American Beverage Licensees (ABL), American Distilled Spirits Alliance (ADSA) and National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA).

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