Supreme Court schedules oral argument

Modern Brewery Age, Oct 11, 2004

The National Beer Wholesalers Association has alerted the industry that oral arguments for the U.S. Supreme Court case reviewing the Michigan and New York direct shipping decisions has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 7.

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) notes it has filed two briefs with the Supreme Court pertaining to this case. In its first brief, NBWA urged the Court to review the Heald decision because of conflict among the federal circuits regarding interpretation of the 21st Amendment, and because of the national importance of the issue. Most recently, NBWA filed an amicus brief in support of the right of states to regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol within their borders.

"NBWA is committed to vigorously promoting and defending the three-tier system, and will continue to oppose the minority of individuals who attempt to put greed and profits ahead of sound policy and regulation," said NBWA president David Rehr. "The three-tier system is central to the regulatory framework for effective and efficient distribution of licensed beverages."