10-28-2008 - NBWA President Craig Purser Stresses Importance of Three-Tier System and State-Based Regulation in Environment of Industry Change
Addresses Maine Beer Distributors at State Association Meeting
(Alexandria, VA) - National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) President Craig Purser emphasized the importance of beer distributors and the state-based three-tier system of alcohol regulation in the current environment of beer industry change at the fall meeting of the Maine Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MBWWA) on October 28 in Portland, Maine.
“Over the past year, the beer industry has seen huge changes ranging from supplier consolidation to changes in the political environment,” said Purser. “Despite these changes and challenges the state-based three-tier system remains the best way to balance the public’s interest in a competitive marketplace and successful alcohol regulation.”
Purser pointed out that the state-based three-tier system of regulation has worked successfully for the past 75 years to safely and efficiently deliver a wide variety of products to American consumers.
“This successful system levels the playing field, allowing large and small, domestic and international brewers and retailers of all types and sizes to compete, ensuring a competitive marketplace. It also allows states to regulate alcohol as their citizens see fit ensuring that a balance exists between competition and effective regulation.”
2008 marks the 75th anniversary of the ratification of the 21st Amendment which repealed Prohibition and established the effective, state-based system of alcohol regulation that today works to keep consumers safe while efficiently providing Americans with an unparalleled choice and variety of beer.
# # #
Founded in 1938, the National Beer Wholesalers Association advocates before government and the public on behalf of more than 2,750 licensed independent beer distributors with operations servicing every congressional district and state across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring that the products they provide are consumed legally, moderately and responsibly. For more information about beer distributors, please visit www.nbwa.org.