United States Postal Service Shipping Equity Act

This bill would let the U.S. Postal Service ship alcohol from licensed businesses to adult customers. Deliveries must follow the same rules private carriers follow in your state. The package must be handed directly to the addressee or an authorized adult at a postal facility, and the person must show a government photo ID proving they are 21 or older. Shipments are for personal use only, not resale. Only licensed alcohol businesses (like wineries, breweries, distilleries, wholesalers, distributors, importers, and retailers) that register and certify compliance can use this service, and USPS may require prepayment of state alcohol taxes.

State, local, and Tribal alcohol laws still apply. This bill does not override them. If USPS breaks those laws, those governments can sue USPS in federal court. USPS can be held liable like a private business, but not for punitive damages or interest before judgment. The changes start when USPS issues its rules or two years after the law is enacted, whichever comes first.

Key points

• Who is affected: Adult consumers (21+), licensed alcohol businesses, USPS, and state/local/Tribal governments.
• What changes: USPS can ship alcohol with strict ID checks and direct handoff at a postal facility; only licensed shippers can use it; state rules still control; USPS may require tax prepayment; governments can take USPS to court for violations.
• When: Effective upon USPS issuing regulations or after two years, whichever comes first.