Archive for December, 2005
Costco wins key ruling in Washington
December 22nd, 2005
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: “A federal judge said in two separate rulings Wednesday that Washington’s system for distributing beer and wine violates the Constitution and the Sherman Act.”
We will keep a close eye on this case as it will likely have a big impact on wine shipping in Washington and other states as well.
The first ruling held that “Washington state law improperly requires that producers and distributors of beer and wine mark up prices at least 10 percent above cost.”
The second is more significant for wine shipping. Citing the Commerce Clause as does the Granholm decision, Judge Marsha Pechman agreed with Costco that Washington’s system that allows in-state beer and wine producers to ship directly to retailers while prohibiting out-of-state producers from doing the same is unconstitutional.� She gave Washington lawmakers until April 14th, 2006 to either allow all beer and wine producers to sell directly to retailers or to prohibit direct sales to retailers altogether.
Granholm signs Michigan direct shipping bill into law
December 15th, 2005
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm signed into law the direct shipping bill passed by the state House.
The bill allows in-state and out-of-state wineries to ship up to 1,500 cases per year to Michigan residents. Click here to see the final legislation.
Opposing legislation to be introduced in Indiana next month
December 10th, 2005
When the Indiana General Assembly reconvenes next month, at least two bills will be introduced that address the issue of wine direct shipping. As is usually the case, one bill would allow direct shipments from both in-state and out-of-state wineries and one bill would prohibit direct shipments.
New York approves UPS for interstate shipping
December 9th, 2005
After a long delay, New York finally approved UPS for interstate shipments. Permitted out-of-state wineries can now ship into New York via UPS. FedEx is expected to be approved soon as well.
To see a complete listing of UPS allowed states for direct, onsite, and licensee to licensee shipments, you can visit the UPS Wine Contract Addenda.
Michigan House votes to allow the direct shipment of wine
December 6th, 2005
The Detroit News reports:
The state House on Tuesday voted 104-0 to approve legislation that would allow in-state and out-of-state wineries to ship up to 1,500 cases of wine a year directly to consumers. Direct shipment by out-of-state wineries had been banned under a state law ruled unconstitutional earlier this year by the U.S. Supreme Court.
