The letter is in opposition to elements of the United States Postal Service Shipping Equity Act, and has been signed by the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), American Beverage Licensees (ABL), American Distilled Spirits Alliance (ADSA) and National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA).
Introduced by representative Jackie Speier, the bill aims to address the current financial needs of the US Postal Service (USPS). However, the coalition of trade bodies warned that if the proposed legislation passes, lawmakers will be ‘potentially substituting one budgetary shortfall for another’.
Michelle Korsmo, WSWA president and CEO, said: “Proposed legislation to allow the US Postal Service to handle beverage alcohol is simply not a safe or responsible solution to answer the current significant needs of the USPS.
“Allowing the USPS to ship beverage alcohol would compromise the work of policy makers across America who work hard to control underage access to alcohol and keep moderate levels of consumption part of safe and healthy communities.
“Current regulations strike a good balance and have provided more than 85 years of effective state-based alcohol regulation and efficient taxation.”
According to the proposed legislation, the USPS would be permitted to mail alcoholic beverages in accordance with the delivery requirements otherwise applicable to a private courier.
