Kentucky Inches Closer to Direct to Consumer Shipment & Distillery-Sponsored Club Programs [Updated]

A lot has changed since Prohibition ended in 1933 but, many archaic laws from the time continue to hold distillers back from pleasing their fans across the nation. Last year, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail welcomed a record number of more than 1 million visits from distilled spirits fans. Visitors to a distillery could purchase spirits before they left the distillery but if they requested to ship that bottle home the answer was, “No.” Kentucky distillers would like to change that archaic law to allow responsibile Direct to Consumer – DTC shipments of alcohol as well as the creation of club memberships.

UPDATE: HB 400 has passed. Now it’s moves to the governor for signature.

The number one demand from (distillery) visitors is the request to ship bottles home.”
~ Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory

7 States Allow DTC Alcohol Shipments – Not Kentucky?

It’s surprising that home state of 95% of the world’s bourbon is not one of the states that allows direct shipment of spirits to consumers. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is working with legislatures to get this law changed. The Senate Licensing & Occupations Committee approved the bill by a unanimous vote. Now, in the closing days of the current session, it’s up to the House and Senate to push the bill across the finish line.

The States that Allow DTC Shipments

1. Arizona
2. DC
3. Hawaii
4. Nebraska
5. Nevada
6. New Hampshire
7. North Dakota
8. Rhode Island

If you are a bourbon fan and would like to see this law changed, please contact your legislature and ask them to, free our bourbon and support, “Bourbon without Borders.”

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Highlights of the Bill

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Pursuant to subscription or distillery-sponsored club programs, in quantities not to exceed an aggregate of nine (9) liters per calendar year, provided that the enrollment and payment for the subscription or club is arranged in person at the distillery. At the member’s request, an order may be delivered or shipped directly to the member. All deliveries or shipments shall be made through a licensed common carrier authorized to deliver or ship distilled spirits in the jurisdiction to which the products will be delivered or shipped.

All deliveries or shipments made pursuant to this section shall be made through a licensed transporter or licensed common carrier authorized to deliver or ship distilled spirits in the jurisdiction to which the products will be delivered or shipped.

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