The three-tier system fails the competition and choice test
Advocates of the three-tier system, mainly those representing the wholesaler tier, claim that wholesalers bring commercial benefits to society by creating healthy competition and by providing a vast assortment of brands to the marketplace.
According to this theory if not for the wholesalers, there would be […]
Politics and alcohol don’t mix
In this election season we are all inundated with politics and a lot of it. Many of us try to avoid it and turn away from conversations related to politics. But try as we may, there is no getting around it. Politics are part of the culture […]
Michigan utilizes 21st Amendment Enforcement Act against two out-of-state retailers
Back in July Ohio became the first state to utilize the 21st Amendment Enforcement Act against out-of-state retailers shipping wine into the state.
Three months later, Michigan filed suit against two entities, the state seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction pursuant to the 21st […]
8th Circuit Sarasota Wine Oral Argument: Judge Loken takes a scalpel to the state
The 8th Circuit heard oral argument on a challenge to Missouri’s retailer wine shipping law, which allows Missouri retailers to ship wine to Missouri consumers but denies this privilege to out-of-state retailers.
Before getting into the oral argument’s highlights, it […]
Michigan attempts to restrict DTC wine shipping will create major problems!
Proposed legislation in Michigan that targets out-of-state wine direct shippers would have a devastating impact on the State of Michigan.[1] If passed the proposed legislation would rob Michigan of tax revenue, severely restrict consumer choice, and would leave the […]
I want to congratulate some of my colleagues that I worked with closely for being named as Leaders in the Wine Industry by Wine Business. Notably I want to recognize those individuals I have had the pleasure of working with, which are Gillian Garrett, John Hinman, Rebecca Stamey-White, and Tom Wark.
Only 45 individuals were […]
Ohio’s 21st Amendment Enforcement Action, is there more than meets the eye?
A great Wine Spectator piece covered Ohio’s lawsuit against out-of-state retailers shipping wine to Ohio consumers. Ohio filed a lawsuit under the 21st Amendment Enforcement Act, seeking an injunction to stop these out of-state retailers from shipping to Ohio consumers.
Ohio’s wine […]
Desiring to celebrate Tom Seaver’s Life, state liquor laws preclude a proper celebration
Tom Seaver’s passing leaves a mark of sadness to people like me that grew up watching him. His impressive pitching and the way he carried himself, made us all want to be the next Tom Seaver.
Although his greatest years were with […]
Today the United States Supreme Court requested a response from the State of Michigan and the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers to a cert petition filed in the Lebamoff v. Whitmer case.
In Lebamoff the 6th Circuit held that a discriminatory Michigan wine retailer shipping law, which allowed in-state retailers to sell to Michigan consumers, while […]
Cocktails-to-go has a target on its back
Cocktails-to-go is a saving grace for many bars and restaurants and has allowed them to operate without closing their doors. Also, workers previously furloughed because of the COVID-19 crisis, were brought back to work because of the extra income cocktails-to-go generated for bars and restaurants.
Although […]