Stopped At The State Line

from the preventing-competiton-or-good-regulation? dept

One of the reasons (though, perhaps not an accurate one) why the various online wine sellers claimed they went out of business was the various state laws that prevent shipping wine into certain states. Wine sellers say that these laws are designed to unfairly protect local businesses, while supporters of the laws say they're necessary to keep teenagers from ordering alcohol delivered to their front door. There are various other similar state laws that prevent shipping things like contact lenses or granting loans and mortgages online. These state laws are quite annoying to both online resellers, and many potential customers in those states, and so the FTC is holding hearings to discuss whether or not these sorts of laws harm competition. As with many technology related issues these days, it seems that support for the commission doesn't follow party lines at all.
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  • identicon
    Chris, 8 Oct 2002 @ 1:39pm

    No Subject Given

    I'm sure your average teen is so desperate for booze that he will order a $20 bottle of wine and wait a week to get it.

    Please...

    Having sort of been involved in the microbrewing business, I can assure you that alcohol distribution is one of the most politicized business in the country.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    euroman, 9 Oct 2002 @ 1:29am

    What a country!

    The land of the free! And you can't ship wine around. Good grief.

    link to this | view in chronology ]


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