Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol Shipping Legislation Surges
Over 50 bills relating to the direct shipment of alcohol to consumers were introduced during the 2024-25 session. Some states introduced legislation expanding the types of alcoholic beverages that may be shipped directly to consumers to include malt beverages and liquors, including Hawaii, Illinois, Missouri, and Texas. Lawmakers also introduced bills creating new licensing schemes and fees for the direct shipment of certain alcoholic beverages, with lawmakers in Arkansas and Mississippi enacting direct shipper licensing legislation. Notably, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced a bill allowing the U.S. Postal Service to ship alcoholic beverages directly to consumers when mailed by a registered and approved winery, brewery, distiller, or other wholesaler, distributor, importer, or retailer of alcohol. The bill, called the United States Postal Service Shipping Equity Act, is identical to legislation introduced in 2023 and has not had any action since being referred to committee in April.
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