State-Based Alcohol Regulation: Delivering Safety and Promoting Growth
The Issue: America’s state-based alcohol regulatory system, established by the 21st Amendment, has created the world’s safest and most vibrant alcohol marketplace. This structure carefully balances control and access through a licensed and secure alcohol sales system.
More than 3,000 independent beer distributors play an essential role in this system. They work closely with state and municipal governments to collect taxes, combat underage drinking and support efforts to ensure that local laws are being followed.
Why It Matters: Legislators make decisions that can bolster or undermine this system. One policy that would undermine effective regulation is allowing alcohol to be shipped through the U.S. Postal Service. Shipping alcohol through the mail preempts state law, removes licensing requirements and is harmful to our nation’s successful state-based alcohol regulatory structure, which provides:
Public Safety
- Chain of custody enables product integrity
- Local authority enables communities to decide how alcohol is sold and regulated
Competition
- Suppliers of all sizes — including small, local brewers — have access to the market
- The result: 9,000 breweries and unparalleled consumer choice
Growth
- Efficient collection of more than $65 billion in annual tax revenue
- Over 135,000 well-paying distributor jobs
We Encourage Congress to:
Maintain our nation’s successful state-based alcohol regulatory system and reject any legislative efforts to allow shipping alcohol through the mail
Join the 21st Amendment Caucus
House Members can support a system of effective, state-based alcohol regulation. Contact:
• Rep. Bice: Robert.Sar@mail.house.gov, 202-225-2132
• Rep. Lee: Aneil.Gill@mail.house.gov, 202-225-3252