Legislation allowing the USPS to ship alcoholic beverages to consumers has been introduced in both the House and the Senate.
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) along with Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) introduced the USPS Shipping Equity Act. In the official press release Rep. Newhouse says that currently the USPS cannot ship beer, wine, or distilled spirits based on an outdated Prohibition ban. This ban creates a competitive disadvantage for the USPS because Private companies are allowed to ship alcohol. Additionally, he feels that changing the law would “help grow local breweries distilleries and wineries.”
Additionally, a sister bill in the Senate, S.1663, was announced in a press release May 17, 2021 from Sen. Jeff Merkley’s office. Sen. Merkley says the reversal of the Prohibition era ban of the USPS shipping of alcohol would boost USPS competitiveness and help rural wineries, breweries and distilleries. “All American businesses deserve the same access to the U.S. Postal Service when it comes to delivering their products to their consumers,” stated Sen. Merkley.
Both bills would allow shipments to consumers only and would not be allowed for alcohol destined for resale.