The Brewers Association, WineAmerica, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Wine Institute, Beer Institute and the National Association of Beverage Importers, associations that represent virtually all alcohol beverages sold in the United States, called on members of Congress to reject the Community Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness Act (CARE Act H.R. 1161), legislation backed by the wholesale tier of the alcohol beverage industry.
The goal of the CARE Act of 2011 is to recognize and reaffirm that alcohol is different from other consumer products and that it should continue to be regulated by the states. However, these producer groups strongly disagree with the introduction of this act, saying that it is unnecessary and dangerous to the marketplace.
“Its provisions would harm consumers and the marketplace, limit consumer choice, and allow states to enact protectionist and anti-competitive laws. If this bill became law, it would make it much harder for brewers, vintners, distillers and importers to get their products to market. On March 7, 2011, the United State Supreme Court declined to review a challenge to a Texas state law, effectively ending litigation that the wholesalers say justifies their legislation. The wholesalers’ praise of this Supreme Court action is inconsistent with wholesaler support for H.R. 1161, which strips courts of their power to make precisely these kinds of balancing judgments.
“We urge Congress not to unravel a successful regulatory structure to the detriment of consumers, the industry, and the federal interest in a far, competitive, and orderly marketplace for alcohol beverages.”
