DISCUS Urges Maine to Give Spirits Shipping Parity With Wine

“For more than a decade, Mainers have enjoyed DTC shipping of wine,” Andy Deloney, senior VP and head of state public policy said in a letter supporting a bill pending in the Maine Legislature that would allow spirits direct shipping in Maine.

Wine has been shipped for more than a decade in Maine, and during that time, wholesale jobs in Maine grew by more than 24%.  Liquor store jobs grew by 61% during the same period.

“DTC would foster growth in the spirits industry which already contributes 6,300 jobs and more than $680 million in economic impact in Maine,” Deloney said. “Consumers want the ability to choose limited-release products, specialty products not widely distributed nationwide and club offerings, or to ship products home from a distillery visit. DTC shipping also provides additional market access channels for distillers to connect with their consumers where they are, and the state would benefit from additional licensing fees and new tax revenue on every sale made in Maine.”

He noted that "consumers expect and want direct-to-consumer shipping of distilled spirits. It’s time for the marketplace to meet what consumers are seeking. The increased demand for consumer convenience and choice, additional support for distillers, and responsibility measures already in place to prevent illegal purchases all highlight the reasons Maine should adopt measures allowing direct-to-consumer shipping.”