Post #41554 by JTD on Thu, Jul 3, 2003 9:49 AM

Philot, Hipster,
Timely article in today's Wall Street Journal regarding a Federal Trade Commission report released today (http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/07/wine.htm) that says "state bans on interstate wine shipments are anti-competitive and harmful to consumers." I know it says wine and the FTC site specifically says this was not about online liquor sales, but it's a step in the right direction.

WSJ goes on to say, "The federal courts have also been weighing in on state laws limiting wine shipments, with mixed results. Last week, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down a Texas ban on interstate wine shipping. In 2000 the Seventh Circuit found in favor of an Indiana ban on direct shipment. Three more federal cases are pending concerning laws in Florida, New York and Michigan. Eventually one will reach the Supreme Court. In the meantime, with this FTC study, we're moving closer to the day when consumers can truly uncork the power of the Internet."

Don't hold your breath, but someday....

-JTD