Direct to Consumer Shipping

Whether you’re an enjoyer of the many tasty spirits California distillers have to offer or just someone passionate about empowering small businesses, we need your help.

One silver lining of Covid19 was emergency regulations allowing direct-to-consumer shipping for spirits. Prior to March, 2020, craft distilleries were not allowed to ship spirits (vodka, gin, rum, whiskey) direct-to-consumer due to outdated prohibition laws. Customers had to physically visit the distillery for the ability to purchase their spirits.

Over the past year and a half, distillers have had the chance to prove that we can ship our products responsibly. When the COVID pandemic and the business closures that came with it occurred in 2020, the ABC offered distilleries some relief by issuing a temporary allowance for shipping. Fortunately, there are strong safeguards in place – the driver of the shipping company is legally required to check the ID of the recipient before letting them take a package with alcohol in it. Some naysayers still point to the seemingly jaw-dropping results of ABC sting operations in April of 2020: over 79 percent of drivers delivered packages to undercover agents without checking for a valid ID.

As of January 2022, we will not be able to ship spirits to you.

Our statewide trade group, the California Artisanal Distillers Guild, managed to scrounge up enough resources to get California Senate Bill 620 introduced to the legislature early in 2021. If passed, the bill would allow distillers to continue shipping spirits within the state as well as out-of-state customers. Unfortunately, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America fiercely oppose this bill, causing legislators to pause its progress through the California State Senate. At the end of this month, it’s back up for reconsideration. This is where we need your help.

If you enjoy craft spirits, support small business, relish convenience, or wish to see more cocktail clubs, consider contacting your California State Senator & Assemblyperson today.

Politely ask them to allow you to buy spirits directly from craft-distilleries, and have them delivered (with adult signature) to your door.

Throughout 2020/2021, the relaxing of shipping laws turned out to be a:

• WIN for consumers (convenience, safety, & choice)

• WIN for small business (revenue & employment)

• WIN for the State of CA (increased taxes)

The emergency direct-to-consumer shipping laws are set to expire on December 31st. At that time, we will not be able to ship spirits to you anymore. NOW is the time to make your voice heard by asking your state senator and assembly member to support SB 620.

WRITE YOUR STATE SENATOR/ASSEMBLYPERSON
ASK THEM TO SUPPORT SB 620

1. Contact your local state representatives, California senate and assembly
   

2. Contact Senator Bill Dodd – the Governmental Organization (GO) Senate Chairperson that will vote on this issue.
   

3. Contact Assembly Member Jim Frazier – the Governmental Organization (GO) Assembly Chairperson (the committee that leads this vote).

IDEA AS TO WHAT TO WRITE

Below is an adapted email sent by a craft-spirit fan. Feel free to use the parts of this letter that resonate with you to make it your own.

Subject: Allow DtC Spirits Shipments – Support SB 620

Whenever possible, I prefer to support small, local, 'boutique' businesses over big box stores and online monopolies. I am also very busy and rely heavily on ecommerce. I am writing to request the freedom to have direct shipments from craft-distilleries shipped to my door much like I do my wines, books, clothes, shoes, cosmetics, and other personal items.

It is absurd that in 2021 - in California! - I have to walk into a grocery store, liquor store, or big box store to purchase my spirits. Most of the time, they only have equally "big box" liquor brands that are sold everywhere. There are so many craft-distillers in California producing small lots of unique spirits that I want to drink. Yet, I have limited access to purchase them because they don't produce enough to be represented by distributors.

California boasts a vibrant agricultural community, and “maker environment.” I like knowing where my spirits are made and the stories of the people who put their hearts into conceiving and crafting them. I want to support these artisans by buying their products. I should be able to do this in a way that is convenient and efficient: online at any time I choose.

Small businesses are the engines that drive our economy, give our communities charm, and employ our neighbors in family-like environments. Unfortunately, heavy-handed, outdated regulations, along with special interest groups, are killing the ability for California craft-distillers to compete and ultimately exist.

One silver lining to come from the pandemic is the ability to purchase craft spirits online and have them shipped to my house (with adult signature) thanks to temporary emergency regulations issued by the ABC. I am asking you to permanently allow direct-to-consumer shipments of craft-spirits.

Thank you for your time.

We appreciate all of your spirited support.