This Lawsuit Could Set a NEW Standard for Liquor Shipping in the US,
Let’s be honest — buying booze online can be a real headache. You find a nice bottle of wine on a website from another state, try to order it, and boom — “Sorry, we can’t ship to your address.” Super annoying.
Well, there’s a lawsuit happening right now that could finally fix that.
Here’s what’s going on, explained in plain English.
So… What’s This All About?
There’s a store in New York called Empire Wine. It’s a regular liquor shop, but they also sell online. People love their selection. The problem? They want to ship to customers in other states — like maybe you — but they keep running into state laws that say “Nope.”
Why? Some states have old rules that stop out-of-state businesses from shipping liquor to their people. So if you live in Ohio, and you want to order from New York? You’re out of luck.
Empire Wine is tired of that. They’re suing, saying those rules aren’t fair.
Why Is That a Big Deal?
Because this lawsuit could change the rules for everyone.
Right now, the U.S. is kind of a mess when it comes to liquor shipping. Every state has its own rules. Some allow it. Some don’t. Some let you ship wine, but not liquor. Some make it almost impossible unless you’re a local seller.
It’s confusing. And outdated.
Empire Wine says it shouldn’t matter where the customer lives. If someone’s over 21 and ordering legally, what’s the big deal?
They think states shouldn’t be allowed to block businesses from other states just because they’re “outsiders.”
A Little Bit of History
These rules come from way back — like, after Prohibition ended in the 1930s. That’s when the U.S. said each state could decide how to control alcohol. Fair enough, back then.
But fast forward almost 100 years, and things are way different. We order food, clothes, medicine, even cars online now. So why is it still hard to get a bottle of wine shipped to your house?
That’s what Empire Wine is asking.
What Empire Wine Wants
They’re not trying to break the system. They just want fair access.
If a customer in Texas wants to buy from them in New York, they want to ship it. Safely. Legally. With all the right checks in place.
They’re not saying every business has to ship. They just want the option to do it.
The lawsuit says blocking out-of-state sellers isn’t just annoying — it’s unconstitutional. It stops fair trade between states, which goes against the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause.
What Could This Mean for You?
If Empire Wine wins, a lot could change — and it could all be good for regular people like us.
Here’s what might happen:
- You get more choices. Shop for rare wines or craft spirits from across the country.
- Prices might drop. More sellers mean more competition, and that often means better prices.
- Rural areas benefit. Folks who don’t live near big liquor stores could finally order what they want.
- Small businesses grow. Little shops and family-owned distilleries could reach way more customers.
In short, liquor delivery could get a whole lot easier.
But Not Everyone’s Happy
Local stores and liquor distributors aren’t thrilled. They say out-of-state sellers could hurt their business.
They also worry about safety — like making sure alcohol doesn’t end up in the hands of minors, or that taxes are being paid correctly.
That’s fair, honestly. No one wants underage kids ordering vodka from their phones.
But supporters say these issues can be fixed. With ID checks, smart shipping systems, and better online rules, we can keep things safe and fair.
Has Anything Like This Happened Before?
Actually, yes.
A few years ago, the Supreme Court made a big ruling in a similar case. Tennessee had a rule that said you had to live there for two years before opening a liquor store. The court said that was wrong — and that states can’t block people just because they’re from somewhere else.
That decision helped inspire this new lawsuit.
If the courts agree again, we could see a huge shift in how alcohol is sold online.
What’s Next?
The lawsuit is still going. It takes time — probably months, maybe even longer. But depending on how high it goes (possibly to the Supreme Court), it could change laws in all 50 states.
Other businesses are watching closely. So are lawmakers. This case could lead to new rules that finally make liquor shipping fair and easy.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just about wine or whiskey. It’s about giving people more choices and letting small businesses grow.
Whether you’re someone who enjoys a glass of wine now and then, or someone who rarely drinks, this lawsuit could still make a difference. It’s about convenience. It’s about fairness. And honestly, it’s about time.
We live in a world where you can order tacos, couches, and even pet food with one click. Alcohol shouldn’t be any different.
