Wine wholesalers are looking out for the consumer...

[Squatch]

...yeah....riiiiiiight:

http://www.wswa.org/public/media/20040427b.html

Comments by Juanita Duggan, CEO of Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America

Comments by Squatch (moi) in parenthesis.

"Because wholesalers-I like to call us The American Tier because of our unique place in history-face a systematic and coordinated attack on our businesses from some within our very industry. We have reached our own tipping point."

(When presenting at a conference, always appeal to the patriotism of your constituents)

"The form of these attacks is framed under the "guise" of the so-called direct shipping of wine. But anyone in this room who really believes this is just about farmers or crops or a divine right of some to ship alcohol to whomever and wherever they please is terribly confused."

(Direct shipment of wine = consumers being able to purchase wines directly from a winery. Most small wineries do not enjoy the privelege of being carried by massive wholesalers and are, therefore, required to seek other means of marketing. Invariably, these small wineries only enjoy a tempramental local market.

Obviously, this "attack" Ms Duggan speaks of is a threat to the WSWA's monopoly.)

"As we have said-all along-this is about tearing down an entire system dedicated to the responsible sale and distribution of alcohol in this country. The public understands this and that we-alcohol wholesalers-are caretakers of their trust in this system."

(Funny, I never realized that a business monopoly is the "caretaker" of the distribution of alcohol. They have only one goal in mind, as is true for all businesses. They exist to make money, despite their own proclamations of some lofty ideals.)

------

Well, this blowhard goes on for a long, long time...so I'll quit there. The USSC is going to be hearing a case this term on whether to allow interstate shipments in states that allow intrastate direct shipments, but forbid cross-state transactions. Should be a watershed decision in consumer rights.

Approximately 1/2 of US States allow at least limited direct shipment of wines to consumers' doors.

For more, check out http://www.freethegrapes.com

[AngryAmish]

1. This is a huge pet peeve of mine

Who do these people think they are? Do they think there is some divine right to have a business protected from competition by the government?

A few years ago in Illinois the liquor distributors passed a similar law through huge bribes/campaign contributions. The governor signed (he is soon to be on trial on other matters). The law was unconstiutional on its face and eventually got struck down.

If the government cares AT ALL about small business all these laws would be done away with.

I drink wine but not expensive stuff. I buy at Trader Joes which gets a variety at good prices. When I buy at Jewel (a grocery that uses wholesalers) the selection sucks, the prices are much higher and the wine at the same price as Trader Joe's is terrible.

[Squatch]

2. WSWA's position re: looking out for kids is BS

How many kids do you know are going to order a nice bottle of Pinot Noir or a high-end Cab from CA instead of heading down to the Quickie Mart with a fake ID and 10 bucks for a 12-pack of Nattie Light?

[AngryAmish]

5. when someone says anything is "for the children"...

hold on to your wallet.

That is how we got the Bear Patrol.

[AllegroRondo]

7. Or just mail order from an in-state winery

This was a major argument in the New York case, that kids could mail order wine from these out of state wineries with no ID.

But New York allows in-state wineries to mail wine, negating the argument.

[Squatch]

8. To receive the shipment, the person signing for the package

has to produce ID.

[Squatch]

9. Another question...what if your in-state wineries suck?

VA wines...:puke:

(for the most part)

[tanyev]

3. Republican logic:

I want a completely free market, except in the particular area where it will hurt my business.

[Squatch]

4. You hit the nail on the head.

[AngryAmish]

6. Bingo!