Bill would end ban on mailing booze

A House Democrat has introduced legislation to end a Prohibition-era ban on shipping alcohol through the U.S. Postal Service.

{mosads}With 24 original co-sponsors, Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) unveiled the USPS Shipping Equity Act on Thursday.

Current law bans the Postal Service from shipping beer, wine and distilled spirits to consumers., which Speier said puts the USPS at a competitive disadvantage against companies competitors that can ship alcohol.

“It’s ridiculous that we’re allowing UPS, FedEx and other companies to ship spirits, wine, and beer to consumers, while banning the U.S. Postal Service from doing the exact same thing,” Speier said in a news release. “As more states allow direct to consumer delivery, we need to lift this dated ban on so-called ‘spirituous, vinous, malted, fermented, or other intoxicating liquors,’ to give consumers more shipping choices when they check out.”

Her bill would allow the USPS to ship alcoholic beverages directly from licensed producers and retailers to consumers over the age of 21, opening up an additional source of revenue for the financially troubled Postal Service.

Citing the Congressional Budget Office, Speier’s office said the bill will provide the USPS with an additional $50 million per year.

Of the legislation’s co-sponsors, four are Republicans: Reps. Walter Jones (N.C.), Bill Johnson (Ohio), Doug LaMalfa (Calif.) and David McKinley (W.Va.).