Beer, Wine and Spirits Producers Speak Out Against the "Community Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness" Act Of 2011"

WASHINGTON -- Multiple alcohol-producer associations, including The Brewers Association, WineAmerica, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Wine Institute, Beer Institute and the National Association of Beverage Importers urged Congress to reject the "Community Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness" act (H.R. 1161) in a released statement.

The bill, which was introduced by Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and is backed by the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, seeks to reaffirm state-based alcohol regulation. However, the opposing groups' statement labels the legislation "unnecessary" and claim that "its provisions would harm consumers and the marketplace, limit consumer choice and allow states to enact protectionist and anti-competitive laws."

In 2010, the House held hearings on a previous version of the bill. Earlier this year, the joint groups sent a letter to Congress expressing continued opposition to a new version. Their statement concluded by urging Congress "not to unravel a successful regulatory structure to the detriment of consumers, the industry and the federal interest in a fair, competitive and orderly marketplace for alcohol beverages."