Knight Ridder Newspapers
WASHINGTON - (KRT) - In a ruling that could inspire the nation's wine lovers to pop corks in celebration, the Supreme Court on Monday struck down state laws prohibiting interstate wine sales, saying they amounted to impermissible economic discrimination.
The 5-4 ruling, written by Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, will force 24 states to treat out-of-state wineries the same as those inside their borders. If wine can be sold to consumers in state, then state law can't restrict direct shipments to consumers from out of state.
The change will give a huge boost to small distilleries and Internet-based wine sellers whose businesses depend heavily on distant consumers.
Link here:
http://www.kansascity.co