H.R. 5034, the Comprehensive Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness (“CARE”) Act, has recently undergone a change in its text. The new text of the bill reads as follows:
“State or territorial regulations may not intentionally or facially discriminate against out-of-state or out-of-territory producers of alcoholic beverages in favor of in-state or in-territory producers unless the State or territory can demonstrate that the challenged law advances a legitimate local purpose that cannot be adequately served by reasonable non-discriminatory alternatives.”
Tom Wark, the author of Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog, recently posted an article analyzing the text of the newly-constructed H.R. 5034. In his article, Mr. Wark also mentions the effects this revision will have on the wine industry. The article, as well as his blog, is a highly recommended read and can be accessed atNew All Out Attack On Wine Merchants Launched With H.R. 5034.
An additional resource for winery-friendly information is Free the Grapes. Free the Grapes allows individuals to personalize a letter to congressional representatives who support of H.R. 5034.
DISCLAIMER: This blog post is not intended as legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship results. Please consult your own attorney for legal advice.