Bill could erode craft brewers rights
The National Beer Wholesalers Association has introduced legislation in Congress which seeks to give states more power in regulating and defending their alcohol laws.
It’s called the CARE Act (Comprehensive Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness Act) and it seeks to “support State based alcohol regulation”
The bill seeks to make it clear to courts that Congress recognizes “that alcohol is different from other consumer products and that it should be regulated effectively by the States according to the laws thereof.”
The bill would reduce or eliminate the power of both the Commerce Clause and the Anti-trade Act, both which are used by brewers to preserve their privileges such as self-distribution, anti-franchise arguments and other rights.
The bill, if it moves forward will be fought heavily by brewers, wineries and distilled spirit companies.
