Newhouse leads bipartisan bill to give USPS authority to mail alcohol

U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) on May 25 sponsored bipartisan legislation that would give the United States Postal Service (USPS) the authority to mail alcoholic beverages.

“While other carriers deliver alcoholic beverages directly to consumers, current law prohibits USPS from taking similar action,” Rep. Newhouse said. “The time has come for us to shatter these barriers and unlock the tremendous potential of the wine and alcoholic beverage industry.

“This crucial legislation has the potential to create opportunity for the wine, beer, and spirits landscape, foster economic growth, and empower consumers and businesses alike,” said the congressman.

The United States Postal Service Shipping Equity Act, H.R. 3721, has 10 original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA).

If enacted, H.R. 3721 would end the prohibition-era ban that prevents USPS from shipping alcoholic beverages to consumers and allow them to ship directly from licensed producers and retailers to consumers over the age of 21, in accordance with state and local laws at the delivery location, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Newhouse’s staff.

“Allowing USPS to deliver wine, beer, and spirits produced across our great nation provides another option for shipping carriers,” Rep. Newhouse added. “This is extremely beneficial to small craft breweries and locally owned wineries, especially in rural regions like central Washington, who struggle to gain market access.”

The National Rural Letter Carriers Association, Treasury Wine Estates Americas, the American Craft Spirits Association, the Brewers Association, and the National Association of Letter Carriers support the measure.

“The outdated prohibition on shipping alcohol through the Postal Service is bad for consumers and bad for small businesses — imposing unnecessary costs and hassle,” said Rep. Wexton. “I’m proud to partner with Rep. Newhouse on this long-overdue, bipartisan reform to support local brewers, vineyards, and distillers by improving their affordable shipping options and opening up access to new markets.”