WINE INSTITUTE: SURVEY A “MISGUIDED ATTEMPT.”
As expected, there’s quite a backlash against the survey released by the WSWA yesterday. The California based Wine Institute released a statement stressing that “there is no evidence that the direct-to-consumer shipping of wine increases underage drinking.”
The release further stated that:
“The Federal Trade Commission has studied direct-to-consumer wine shipping and has concluded that procedural safeguards against shipments to minors in states that allow direct wine shipments are effective with states reporting ‘few or no problems.’ In addition, the report confirmed that, unfortunately, ‘Adolescents currently can obtain alcohol without going through the trouble and expense of ordering over the Internet’ and further noted that there is no evidence that the direct-to-consumer shipping of wine increases underage drinking. Direct shipping legislation has helped to ensure a more orderly market by promulgating compliance standards.”
“Wine Institute questions whether this WSWA survey is motivated by concern over underage access or is another misguided attempt to protect their distribution stronghold following a major defeat in the Supreme Court on May 16, 2005. Any legitimate survey of the issue would also include a review of underage purchases at retail establishments and consider the important role that parents must play in the home where alcohol is most easily procured.”
A little biting perhaps, but the issue is a heated one that could ultimately determine the fate of the 3-tier. One of the biggest arguments for wholesalers is that selling wine online is opening doors to underage access, and threatening to scramble an orderly and regulated market. Wineries, however, believe direct shipments are helping to drive growth especially for smaller vineyards. Let me know what you think at megan@winespiritsdaily.com.
The release further stated that:
“The Federal Trade Commission has studied direct-to-consumer wine shipping and has concluded that procedural safeguards against shipments to minors in states that allow direct wine shipments are effective with states reporting ‘few or no problems.’ In addition, the report confirmed that, unfortunately, ‘Adolescents currently can obtain alcohol without going through the trouble and expense of ordering over the Internet’ and further noted that there is no evidence that the direct-to-consumer shipping of wine increases underage drinking. Direct shipping legislation has helped to ensure a more orderly market by promulgating compliance standards.”
“Wine Institute questions whether this WSWA survey is motivated by concern over underage access or is another misguided attempt to protect their distribution stronghold following a major defeat in the Supreme Court on May 16, 2005. Any legitimate survey of the issue would also include a review of underage purchases at retail establishments and consider the important role that parents must play in the home where alcohol is most easily procured.”
A little biting perhaps, but the issue is a heated one that could ultimately determine the fate of the 3-tier. One of the biggest arguments for wholesalers is that selling wine online is opening doors to underage access, and threatening to scramble an orderly and regulated market. Wineries, however, believe direct shipments are helping to drive growth especially for smaller vineyards. Let me know what you think at megan@winespiritsdaily.com.
posted at 12:18 PM
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