Agree but the issue is how to address 90 years of accumulated political power (based on and utilizing the 21st amendment goals of temperance) to reduce consumer choice to what is available from the consolidated wholesale tier in each state. Education? Lawsuits? Legislation? All three?
Education of the legislators first, they have been fed so much rubbish like minors buying on line (see the Zero Link Markets, 3 year Idology study to debunk that myth), the current system provides sufficient choice, see Massachusetts's 2022 numbers showing $82 million of reported direct sales to the state from over 1,200 direct shippers include Gallo, Duckhorn etc. meaning consumers want more. It does need modified legislation though the education process, then there are the lawsuits to defend the rights of the producers and sellers. It was amazing to watch when the COVID pandemic hit, what could not previously be changed in 90 years, state governments were able to change in 90 days, and then after observing for more than 2 years found none of the "fears" materialized. Exposure of contributions or the banning of them to legislators would go a long way to clearing out the special interests as well. So much to do, and it is a shame there is no coordination of associations to help. Craft Wine Association is the best effort in this regard, and the newly proposed outline of the National Direct Sales Bill of Rights is the most common sense education summary there is.
Most likely, but there is no justification to keep such restrictions in our modern economy. The retailers continue to expand without issue, actually more of an issue is their own consolidation, much like the wholesale channel, and with it the reduction on consumer choice.
Agree but the issue is how to address 90 years of accumulated political power (based on and utilizing the 21st amendment goals of temperance) to reduce consumer choice to what is available from the consolidated wholesale tier in each state. Education? Lawsuits? Legislation? All three?
Education of the legislators first, they have been fed so much rubbish like minors buying on line (see the Zero Link Markets, 3 year Idology study to debunk that myth), the current system provides sufficient choice, see Massachusetts's 2022 numbers showing $82 million of reported direct sales to the state from over 1,200 direct shippers include Gallo, Duckhorn etc. meaning consumers want more. It does need modified legislation though the education process, then there are the lawsuits to defend the rights of the producers and sellers. It was amazing to watch when the COVID pandemic hit, what could not previously be changed in 90 years, state governments were able to change in 90 days, and then after observing for more than 2 years found none of the "fears" materialized. Exposure of contributions or the banning of them to legislators would go a long way to clearing out the special interests as well. So much to do, and it is a shame there is no coordination of associations to help. Craft Wine Association is the best effort in this regard, and the newly proposed outline of the National Direct Sales Bill of Rights is the most common sense education summary there is.
The reason for the restrictions was to protect turf - local retailers, and in-state wholesalers. Period. there is no other justification.
Most likely, but there is no justification to keep such restrictions in our modern economy. The retailers continue to expand without issue, actually more of an issue is their own consolidation, much like the wholesale channel, and with it the reduction on consumer choice.