Prepared Witness Testimony

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce

E-Commerce: The Case of Online Wine Sales and Direct Shipment

Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection
October 30, 2003

 

Prepared Statement of The Honorable "Billy" Tauzin

I want to commend Chairman Stearns for holding this hearing and continuing the Committee's important work in the area of e-commerce. The Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection subcommittee has held a number of hearings on barriers to e-commerce, and today will examine the unique issues involving direct shipment of wine.

Direct shipment is an important issue to most of the 30,000 wineries nationwide that are small family-run agricultural businesses. To them, direct shipment is the best way to access the market. It is of particular concern to communities on the Pacific Rim, and I want to acknowledge the presence of Mr. Radonovich [Mr. Walden] who has [have] a strong interest in these issues.

Direct shipment is an issue that raises important issues of Constitutional law, as sales of alcohol were the only good ever taken out of the interstate commerce clause of the Constitution.

Some states prohibit direct shipment of wine from out of state, but permit it on an instate basis. This may be good old fashion protectionism.

It also raises issues of prevent teenage drinking,

I look forward to the testimony, and yield back the balance of my time.

Printer Friendly