Rep. Steube Delivers for Small Distillers with Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act
WASHINGTON–U.S. Representative Greg Steube today introduced the Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026, legislation that gives small, independently owned craft distilleries a pathway to ship their products directly to consumers across state lines. The bill is co-led by Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and is endorsed by the American Craft Spirits Association.
“The federal government should not stand between a small distillery and an adult customer in a state that allows direct shipment,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “The Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 cuts the red tape and lets craft distillers ship directly to their consumers, while keeping states in the driver’s seat and keeping real safeguards in place. It’s a win for small businesses and for consumers who deserve more choices.”
“It’s time to get rid of outdated regulations and establish a safe, legal way for small businesses to ship spirits to consumers,” said Rep. Subramanyam. “This commonsense bipartisan bill will create new markets for craft distillers, provide more certainty for our local businesses, and give consumers more choice.”
“ACSA thanks Congressman Steube for introducing this legislation and helping elevate the conversation around market access and shipping for American craft distillers,” said Emily Pennington, CEO, American Craft Spirits Association. “We appreciate his leadership in bringing attention to the challenges small, independent craft distilleries face in reaching adult consumers. ACSA looks forward to working with the Congressman and policymakers at both the federal and state levels to develop practical solutions that expand consumer access, shipping and help American craft distilleries grow.”
The Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 allows independently owned craft distilleries producing no more than 250,000 gallons of distilled spirits annually to ship their products directly to consumers in another state, as long as both the shipping and receiving states permit direct shipment.
The bill requires purchasers to verify they are of legal age, requires shipping containers to be marked as containing alcohol and to require an adult signature upon delivery, and limits shipments to personal use only, not resale. State attorneys general retain the authority to bring civil enforcement actions against violations under the Webb-Kenyon Act, a 1913 federal law that preserves state enforcement authority over alcohol shipments.
The legislation preserves state authority over direct shipment laws while cutting red tape for small distillers seeking to reach customers beyond their home state.
The full text of the Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 is available here.
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