New Jersey: Please Help Support Wine Direct Shipping
May 20, 2011
Dear Wine Lovers of New Jersey,
Today we have an update on wine shipping bills, and news on a Senate committee hearing next Thursday.
As you know, pro-consumer wine shipping legislation passed the Senate last year, but it never got a House hearing. Assembly Bill 1702 rolled over into 2011.
This year, Senator Sweeney introduced a well-intentioned new bill, Senate Bill 2782, which allows for limited direct shipments and also responded to a U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that declared New Jersey winery “satellite” tasting rooms illegal. Assemblyman Burzichelli introduced its companion, A 3897. We applaud their efforts but the effect will be disastrous for consumer choice. The new bills include a “capacity cap” which bans direct shipments from wineries and wine companies that produce more than 250,000 gallons per year.
S 2782 and A 3897 would exclude at least 90% of U.S. wine production from direct sales to New Jersey wine lovers.
Additionally, capacity caps are unconstitutional. In January 2010, the latest court decision on capacity caps, the 1st Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that Massachusetts’ capacity cap statute was discriminatory and unconstitutional.
So if S 2782 or A 3897 passes, it will reduce consumer choice, and may be challenged in court. This will still leave New Jersey wine lovers out in the cold.
ACTION:
- Send a Letter through our Website: Please take two minutes today to visit our website and personalize a sample letter that will be sent automatically from our website to your state representatives.
- Attend Hearing: The Senate Law and Justice Committee will conduct a public hearing on S 2782 next Thursday, May 27, 1:00pm at the state capitol in Trenton.
- Like us on Facebook: We will post updates on our Facebook page.
Thank you!