—American Wine Consumer Coalition issues grades of “D” or worse to 22 states—

(Washington, DC)—If you’re a wine consumer, it’s best to avoid living in states like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, and Delaware.

These are just a few of the states that received an “F” in a new report from the American Wine Consumer Coalition (AWCC) grading states on the consumer friendliness of local wine laws. Seven states and the District of Columbia received an A+.

“Consuming Concerns: The 2013 State-By State Report Card on Consumer Access to Wine” looked at various criteria to determine which states treat their wine consumers best. The report can be downloaded from the AWCC website, at http://www.wineconsumers.org/news-and-info/research/

“Eighty years after the end of Prohibition, consumers in numerous states still live under archaic laws that disregard their interests,” said David White, president of the AWCC. “These laws harm consumers and enrich special-interest groups.”

The AWCC’s report considered the direct shipment of wine from out-of-state wineries and retailers; supermarket wine sales; Sunday wine sales; “bring your own bottle” laws; and state control of the sale and/or distribution of wine.

Some highlights from the report:

• 36 states ban the shipment of wines from out-of-state retailers, thus prohibiting citizens from accessing many imported wines and joining most wine clubs.

• 11 states ban the shipment of all wines, domestic and imported, from other states.

• 17 states ban supermarket wine sales.

• 15 states prohibit restaurants from encouraging patrons to “bring your own bottle.”

• Two states, Pennsylvania and Utah, control the sale and distribution of wine.

“Too many states are failing their citizens by enforcing arbitrary laws that benefit special interests at the expense of consumers,” said White. “Fortunately, there are several states — those that received an A+ — where consumers can conveniently access the wines they want. These states can and should serve as examples for those that are failing.”

About the American Wine Consumer Coalition

The American Wine Consumer Coalition (AWCC) is the only national advocacy group that works to advance the interests of America’s wine consumers. Member funded, the AWCC provides a voice for wine consumers, representing them in front of lawmakers, the media, and the trade. The group also provides its members with benefits to help them pursue their love of wine. For more information, visit www.wineconsumers.org.