ALEXANDRIA, Va. – At a recent meeting of the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) Board of Directors, the Association adopted a resolution to further outline its aggressive and continual efforts to defend the 21st Amendment and three-tier system of distribution. 

“NBWA has been active in its communication with, and assistance to, states facing unique threats to the three-tier system and 21st Amendment,” said NBWA President David Rehr.  “As the state of Washington and beer wholesalers prepare to defend and uphold the common sense regulations that have governed alcohol distribution since the repeal of Prohibition, NBWA will be there to help.  This Association will do whatever it takes to defend and protect the Constitution and the three-tier system.”

The resolution was adopted with unanimous and vigorous endorsement.  It is as follows:

Resolution Regarding Support of Washington Beer Wholesalers

WHEREAS, a primary stated goal of the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) is the aggressive defense of the 21st Amendment;

AND WHEREAS, the NBWA committed to provide support to the Washington beer wholesalers in connection with the “Costco” litigation because of that litigation’s potential effect on the ability of all states to effectively regulate and control the distribution of alcoholic beverages;

AND WHEREAS, the Washington Beer and Wine Wholesalers have requested financial and other assistance from the NBWA;

AND WHEREAS, the NBWA intends to provide financial, litigation and other support to the Washington beer wholesalers in their defense of the important public policies underlying the 21st Amendment and the three-tier system;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:

NBWA shall make an initial contribution of $50,000 to support the Washington beer wholesalers’ efforts in the “Costco” case.

NBWA shall also provide in-kind services through its staff and legal team in support of the Washington Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association’s management of the case.

NBWA will commit whatever resources are necessary to directly face the challenges posed to the three-tier system.  The three-tier system is central to the regulatory framework for effective and efficient distribution of licensed beverages, especially beer, in the United States.