Schumer to propose end to USPS mail restrictions on alcohol shipments

ALBANY — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer announced Wednesday a proposal to end restrictions on shipping beer, wine, and spirits through the United States Postal Service.

Currently, a prohibition-era law prevents the postal service from being allowed to ship beer, wine and spirits. Only private shipping companies can be used.

If the law was removed, the USPS has proposed a flat shipping rate that would not take account of weight and distance into the cost and would drive down the cost of shipping which would benefit consumers and producers, Schumer reports. It would also help the struggling postal service, he said.

Private shipping companies use variable shipping rates that include weight and distance into the cost. The proposal is supported by state wineries and breweries, U.S. postal worker unions, and the Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe, Schumer said.

“It’ll help keep local post offices open by bringing in an estimated $225 million in new revenues to the USPS, and it will be a new way for consumers far and wide to order their favorite beers and wines,” Schumer said in a conference call.

via www.democratandchronicle.com