US lawmaker proposes allowing US Postal Service to mail alcoholic beverages
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WZTV) — A U.S. congressman has introduced a bill that would allow the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to mail alcoholic beverages to residents over the age of 21.
H.R. 3721, otherwise known as the ‘‘United States Postal Service Shipping Equity Act’’ is sponsored by U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA-4). The bill, which has bipartisan support, would amend prohibition-era rules which currently don't allow USPS to mail alcoholic beverages to residents despite other couriers being allowed to do so under the law.
The bill would allow for USPS to get into the spirit mailing business as long as the recipient of the beverage is 21 or older and presents a valid government issue ID at the time of delivery.
Beverages would not be allowed to be resold but would allow wineries, breweries and other businesses to reach consumers who may currently be out of their reach.
The bill would still allow states and local governments to regulate the mailing of alcoholic beverages.
