Stores selling beer that isn't distributed to them...

I am shocked... shocked...

 

CassinoNorth,

Since I work for Total Wine I can explain that TW is able to offer the beers mentioned, and others, to customers in NJ (and in other states) because TW has made the investment (paid the fees) to get those product labels approved by the proper NJ authorities for sale in NJ (and in other states for sale in those states). TW has further made the investment in large beer purchases, usually with payment up front to the breweries, which is great for these breweries since they are selling the beer before they even brew it. There is very low risk to them financially.

At the same time, the breweries you mentioned and others have made a strategic decision to expand their production and grow their businesses by working with TW in this manner. It's a fairly risk free way for them to expand their product distribution in smaller (than normal) footprints and test the market in states beyond their current distribution area. They are free to expand their distribution footprint in these states at any time if they wish.

Further, TW is working within the three tier system by making formal business arrangements with NJ distributor(s) to deliever the beer to our stores from a central distribution point, which is also in NJ.

It's worth noting that any other beer stores could do exactly what TW is doing, if they were to take the business risk in making large investments in beer (we own the beer, so if it dates out on the shelf, we eat the cost), work with and make the fee payments to the state govt to get the labels approved, and make business agreements for legal distribution. It's all legal and there's no "lock" on this process that's keeping other retailers out.

TW is certainly not perfect, but having worked here for going on 7 years I am proud to know that the owners have built the company while working within the laws of each state in which the company operates. Knowingly breaking laws is not a sustainable growth model for the business.

Rob

 

My friend has a store in Chicago where he can guy New Glarus. God damn FIBs.

 

yea but it was in Las Vegas. law is pretty harsh here.

 

don't name the store bro. bad karma.

 

I say props to the stores that are selling beers not distributed to them and making them accessible to us connoisseurs. Who cares if its illegal? The federal government violates our constitutional rights on a daily basis, so I really could care less if I'm drinking a delicious beverage that has some imaginary "illegal" tag on it.

 

when I first got into the beer scene I used to frequent a shop that had a ton of back room stuff. he didnt gouge but they were pricey - and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to get them. he has since sold his share of the store off.

and wasn't there some jerk in brooklyn selling cans of heady topper for like 15 per can!!??!! now that's price gouging.

 

Price gouging is an entire different issue - whether distributed legally or not. Its funny that some find illegal distributing such a concern - then again I would love to see somebody turn down a once in a lifetime beer because it was acquired from an illegal distribution, lol.

 

Sshhhhh....

 

Back before Alabama got rid of their cap/distro laws I definitely saw it a few times. For that matter, once they did I think some store owners got more overzealous and did it even more.
Fat Tire still isn't distributed there, but it's around.

 

I still don't understand why anyone other than other store owner's think this is a bad thing. Gouging? Don't buy it then. Otherwise, thank you store owner for giving me access to beers I would never otherwise get an opportunity to try even if you do charge a premium.

 

Pretty sure shipping beers without a licenses is illegally but we all do it anyways, not all but a lot.

 

Is this legal in Illinois ? I have a buddy at a local liquor store that wants me to run into the city once a month to pick him up all Half Acre, Spiteful and Pipeworks beers

 

I know a store that does this too, best thing you can do is tell the owner you know what he's doing, I've gotten free beer this way, just make sure you don't directly threaten him with reporting him to the state that would be blackmail.

 

I don't like how readily people will throw around the "price gouge" label. If the market is willing to pay $15 per can, the seller would be crazy not to ask that much. If nobody buys it at that price, they'll be forced to lower the price or risk losing the money invested.

 

Who cares, if people want to buy beer from wherever, does it really matter? I'd love to be in a state where I could find that. You can't belong to a beer of the month club or wine of the month club in Pennsylvania without having your beer shipped to a beer distributor or wine sent to a State Store.

Be glad you have the choice, even if it is expensive. You could still be in a state with our level of corruption that prevents free markets from selling beer, wine or spirits. We still have towns near where I grew up that don't allow any type of booze or beer inside the town borders (Prohibition).

If you think you're getting ripped off don't buy it, otherwise, free the beer~

 

1,000 thank yous, I assume.

The stores will care once governing agencies catch on and start levying hefty fines, when applicable. You can flout the law all you want, but money talks and bullshit walks. Enjoy the party while it lasts, but know that the law always wins when they set their sights on you.

 

I would think it is illegal in all states. Not counting the distribution laws, there are taxes that have to be paid to the state when buying the item and then selling it.