Wine Shipping Debate

The panelists talked about and debated state laws regulating the shipment and importation of alcoholic beverages. The specific issue addressed was the internet sale and subsequent interstate shipment of wine directly from wineries to consumers. Supporters of the state provisions argued that the Twenty-first Amendment to the Constitution granted states the right to regulate the importation of wine and other alcoholic beverages. Opponents of the state provisions claimed that bans on direct interstate shipment of alcoholic beverages unfairly and unreasonably restrained trade, were designed to protect local monopolies and oligopolies, and infringed on the constitutionally enumerated power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce. Following prepared remarks, panelists responded to questions from the audience. close