• Los Angeles Times, Friday, August 6, 2010 10:48 AM

Internet and direct-mail sales by small winemakers and microbrewers have boomed in the last decade but a bill pending in the House of Representatives could put a cap on the practice and, critics say, lead to less competition and higher prices.

Kim Geiger reports that, with little notice, alcoholic beverage distributors are pressing for a law that would allow states to block interstate sales of wine and beer to their residents. It would supersede a number of recent court rulings that have struck down limits on interstate sales of alcoholic beverages, Geiger points out. Supporters of the measure argue that direct sales enable minors to buy alcohol but opponents say that underage drinkers are unlikely to order expensive craft beers and wines from faraway states. Liquor makers fear that the bill could also allow states to enact laws relating to taxes, advertising and labeling.

Wineries, brewers and the Distilled Spirits Council are lobbying many of the bill's 136 co-sponsors and rallying consumers in opposition. "I can't remember a time that we've ever really held hands and worked this closely before," says Mark Gorman, the council's svp for government relations.

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