Shipping beer across state lines remains illegal in most parts of the U.S., while wine can be shipped freely in 48 states. A significant number of beer enthusiasts believe this should change, as revealed by a recent survey indicating that 83% of craft beer drinkers and 64% of U.S. adults aged 21 and older support updating laws to allow direct-to-consumer shipping of beer.

Despite the challenges, beer lovers face issues when trying to obtain beer from out-of-state breweries, which is a frustrating experience. The survey was conducted by Sovos ShipCompliant and the Brewers Association, highlighting the discrepancy between shipping laws for wine and beer.

According to Alex Koral, regulatory general counsel at Sovos ShipCompliant, allowing direct shipping would not only enhance consumer choice but also boost brewery revenues. Many beer drinkers expressed intent to visit retail stores for beers they tried through direct shipping, further supporting the notion that changing these laws could benefit the industry overall.

Currently, only 12 states along with D.C. permit beer shipping, including Alaska, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island, though the last two have specific restrictions. Koral encourages consumers to advocate for changes by contacting local legislators and joining state guilds, pointing to the successful campaigns for wine shipping, such as the efforts from the Free the Grapes! initiative.

The brewing industry, especially craft breweries, has faced struggles with reduced alcohol consumption and increased competition from other beverages, such as THC seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails. Loosening restrictions on shipping could provide new revenue opportunities for breweries and increase consumer choices in the diverse world of beer.

For more information on the need for shipping changes and the current state of the brewing industry, you can explore these links: Brewers Association and Sovos ShipCompliant.