Archive for the ‘H.R. 5034’ Category

Oct 27, 2010

Wine Reforms, State Power and Blackmailers

The battled over H.R. 5034, the bill in Congress being pushed exclusively by beer and wine middlemen, has resulted in some misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding the state of alcohol regulation in America, the meaning of the Constitution and just who is pushing for change. DEREGULATION vs. REFORMWholesalers have been consistent in their messaging over the past year or so. They argue that elements of the American alcohol industry want to "deregulate" the sale and distribution of alcohol and have wanted…

Oct 19, 2010

Wine Politics and the Emperor’s New Clothes

In two weeks Washington State voters will decide the fate of the state's three tier system. This vote is the most consequential initiative concerning alcohol regulations any state in America has put to the voters many years. The money in opposition to what is called Initiative 1100 comes from beer and wine wholesalers…across the country, not merely in Washington State. Why do America's alcohol wholesalers oppose Initiative 1100? Very simply because it is an example of leveling the playing field…

Oct 13, 2010

Beer Wholesalers Spend $3 million Trying to Control Alcohol Market

The National Beer Wholesalers of America, the folks that brought you H.R. 5034 in an attempt to keep America's alcohol distribution system humming along at a 1933 pace and who, if they had their way, would see all direct shipping and all winery self distribution to retailers and restaurants banned, are moving up in the world. The Wall Street Journal reports that during the current 2010 election cycle the National Beer Wholesalers of America (NBWA) are the 4th largest corporate…

Oct 11, 2010

Wine and “Strange Bedfellows

The concept of "Strange Bedfellows" doesn't usually figure into my work in wine public relations. The basic concept is help your client effectively deliver their brand message to a specific audience, be they trade, media or ultimately consumers. There's really not issue about worrying about whom you get in bed with. Politics is different. This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a dinner in honor of the Competitive Enterprise Institute. No one would ever mistake the Competitive Enterprise Institute…

Oct 5, 2010

A Wine Idea That’s Time Has Come

Every big thing starts small. Every success is an idea first. The future is built on the present I've mentioned it before and alluded to it later: If American wine consumers are going to be heard and if their interests are to be taken seriously, they must speak up. And they need to speak up with one voice. The idea is "The American Wine Consumer Coalition". • When state legislators consider laws concerning consumer access to wine, they don't consult…