MAINE: APPEALS COURT UPHOLDS BAN ON DIRECT SHIPPING

The First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a Maine law that bans direct wine shipping, stating “there is simply no evidence that out-of-state wineries suffer any disproportionate loss of business on account of Maine's direct-shipping ban.” We have a feeling there are quite a few wineries that would disagree with the judge’s statement.

Earlier this summer, an amicus brief was filed in support of the state of Maine. The supporters included attorneys general from 17 states, the Maine Chiefs of Police Association and industry groups representing producers, distributors and retailers.