Sponsors (2)
The bill broadens direct interstate shipping of craft-distillery spirits—boosting small distilleries' market access and consumer convenience while creating uneven access across states, competitive pressure on local retailers/wholesalers, and modest enforcement costs for states and shippers.
Small, independently owned craft distilleries can sell directly to out-of-state customers, expanding market access and potential sales.
Consumers (where both states allow it) can receive craft-distillery spirits shipped directly to their homes, increasing convenience, selection, and ability to buy specialty products.
Consumers are protected from underage access because shipments require age verification and adult-signature delivery, helping limit minors' ability to obtain alcohol by mail.
Retailers and wholesalers in some states may lose sales to out-of-state craft distilleries, harming local businesses and reducing state and local tax revenue.
Consumers' ability to receive shipments will be inconsistent across the country because deliveries are allowed only when both the shipping and receiving states permit them, creating unequal access depending on state of residence.
States and shippers could incur additional administrative and enforcement costs to verify compliance and pursue violations under Webb–Kenyon injunctive authority.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Permits qualifying craft distilleries to ship distilled spirits directly to out-of-state purchasers when both States allow it, with age-verification, labeling, and adult-signature requirements.
Official title: To allow direct shipment of distilled spirits by craft distilleries, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 16, 2026 by W. Greg Steube · Last progress July 16, 2026
Allows qualifying craft distilleries to ship distilled spirits directly to consumers in other States and the District of Columbia, provided the shipment meets age-verification, labeling, signature, and destination-state consent requirements. It defines "craft distillery," sets ownership limits, references the federal definition of "distilled spirit," and authorizes State attorneys general to seek injunctive relief for violations under existing Webb-Kenyon authority. The law does not force States to accept shipments: both the shipping State and the receiving State must allow direct shipments. It includes safeguards such as in-person or online/phone age affirmation, adult-signature delivery, and a prohibition on shipments intended for resale. Independent ownership and an annual production cap (250,000 gallons) determine which producers qualify as "craft distilleries."