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Moore says “Cheers!” to Supreme Court’s ruling on wine shipments |
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Senator’s bills would implement new ruling |
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May 18, 2005 - On Monday, the United States Supreme Court struck down state laws that ban direct-sale shipments from out-of-state wineries to the consumers, ruling it unconstitutional. The new decision gives momentum to Senator Richard T. Moore’s (D-Uxbridge) proposed legislation for the session. “The interstate shipment of any product containing alcohol is a complicated legal issue, which involves the U.S. Constitution’s 21st Amendment as well as various federal and state statutes,” said Moore. “After the Court’s ruling we will have to evaluate our laws to assure both in- and out-of-state wineries are treated equally.” Moore filed three bills this session that address management of wine in the state. Two of those bills will implement the new ruling. Senator Moore co-sponsored a bill filed by Senator Robert O’Leary that will expand the choices Massachusetts consumers have in making wine purchases, while maintaining quality control over products that come into the Commonwealth. The veteran lawmaker was contacted about the wine distribution issue by Lisa Shea, a Sutton resident. She was completely frustrated with her experience in the past to obtain some of the most precious wines. “It is completely unfair that I can easily get my hands on the mass produced wine that is often of lower quality - but I cannot buy the smaller, high quality wines that are special and unique,” Shea said. “I can buy large-winery output by the gallons. But if I am intrigued by new releases from up-and-coming wine regions like Long Island, New York, or Texas, I am completely out of luck. My wine drinking is at the mercy of what the distributors say I should drink.” With the new ruling in place, the Senator is hopeful the judgment will lead to increased opportunities for consumers to purchase their selection of wine while keeping close eye on alcohol distribution in the state. In addition, Moore is the lead sponsor of a bill that will allow farm-wineries to receive interstate orders and to ship directly to the purchaser. Other legislation filed by the Senator in this session includes a bill that would allow consumers to take unfinished bottle of wine home. While Moore acknowledges that the bill approves the consumption of alcohol, it also stresses the importance and awareness of responsible drinking. Therefore, while Mothers Against Drunk Driving did not voice support of Senator Moore’s bill, but they have also not opposed it. For more information on Senator Moore’s legislation and other issues can be obtained by checking his web site www.senatormoore.com. |
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