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

My only question is that since you are getting direct shipped beer, unless you hold the equivalent of a (in NY) "C" License, are you not forgoing the 3-tier system? The way I understand NJ ABC law, you may not be a retailer and wholesaler, as a C License in NY allows (thus causing a 4-tier system). Basically it sounds like you are creating the opposite, a 2-tier system, unless of course I misunderstand NJ law. I may be completely off base, but by acting as the wholesaler AND retailer for these brands, you might be in some very grey area here. Unless NJ does allow you to sell wholesale to other retailers, other wise it infringes on the "tied-house" statute, does it not? Just curious... I like learning laws in other states...

 

this exactly pa laws are shit and outdated if seen this a few times at a couple of places in pittsburgh. i do not really see any wrong with paying more for bootleg beers due to the work involved in getting them. for ex i saw heady topper for eight bucks somewhere and did not have a prob with buying one because its unlikely i will ever be in their distro area.

 

Shit, I wish the stores near me would do this. Just moved to Fayettenam, NC, and the beer scene sucks balls. Lots of trips up to the Triangle, over to Charlotte, and out to Asheville in my future, I guess...

 

No, Sacramento. Why?

 

Interesting thread.

First some bona fides. I'm equally a retailer, distributor and a consumer. My business isn't based in the US (in Asia actually) but I think it still sort of applies to me.

While my business is based in Asia, I live and work in Australia. While we get some great beers like stuff from Bear Republic and Green Flash, we don't equally as good stuff from Stone, Hair of the Dog, DFH or RR amongst others. But occasionally, there are stores in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth where some of their beers pop up in. I'll be the first to say that I rush to these stores to pick up a bunch of beers that I've never had before and that are somewhat legendary. It is obvious that these guys are grey importers and as a consumer I'm super happy to be able to access some of these beers. I know Greg Koch has spoken out against grey importation but as a consumer I'm rather ambivalent about the whole thing - if there is demand for the product you should try your beets to fill it. If you opt to ignore the market then you'll have to accept that there are other entrepreneurs who will find a way to fill the demand.

Most people who buy these greys know full well the risk we take with freshness so it's really buyer beware. That said they give us the opportunity to try beers that would otherwise not be available.

On the other hand we are also retailers and distributors and never once have we brought in any beers against the wishes of the brewery. We've been offered beers that we were not supposed to get but we passed it over.

So yeah, as a consumer it's awesome but as a retailer and distributor we'd like for these breweries to sell is the beer so we can do it with their blessing.

 

I know a guy that has helped a few stores get things they couldn't before, just out of the kindness of his heart. It's a victimless "crime", no skin off his ass.

 

I've seen Hunahpu sold over the counter in Miami. It's cheaper just to drive to Tampa if you want one though.

 

I get seriously pissed when I ask a local store if they can get something & they say their distributor doesn't carry it so they can't. It reminds me how illogical the tiered distribution system is, that stores cannot fulfill demand that is right in their faces because some mandated middleman is all pissy about certain brewers.

 

There is nothing I hate more than a customer that gets pissed (at me) when I explain I can't "special order" DFH (or insert lame beer they think is special). It either comes through distributors or it doesn't. I'm guessing/hoping you meant pissed at the situation created by 3-tier laws.

 

If the store carries it, I buy it, do people really sit there and go no Abyss for me, it shouldn't be sold here, I'm going without monster beer to be lawful? No, and if you think people do, you are lying to yourself.

 

First rule about Fight Club...

 

I have yet to visit TW but have heard good things about your craft beer selection. I am in Cali so Knee deep is not hard to get but I appreciate companies like yours helping out the little guys bring good beer to the market.
Cheers

 

thanks for the information Rob. It's good to hear the story from the "other" (retailer's) side.

 

Have you considered that sometimes a distributor doesn't carry it because they CANNOT GET IT? There are at least 15 distributors in my state so if a company wants to send product to NC, they can find someone, in general, to carry it. Brewers also intentionally don't go to certain regions for reasons varying from competition concerns to purely supply issues. On the other hand, if a brewer only contracts with one distributor and they don't work in your state--you are SOL. Your beef there should be with the brewer. Want some Fantome? The Shelton Bros determine where you buy that.

Smaller craft breweries have no interest in their own distribution even if it was allowed--they focus on beer instead of a truck fleet and personnel. They have to have distributors.


Back room sellers may feel like they are doing something dangerous and get a thrill out of it but it is really a poor business model. Too much good stuff out there to do that. You don't think the man will catch you in this age of social media and internet? Dumb.

 

Happens all the time with 3floyds stuff. Yes it is illegal.

 

Plenty of breweries self-distribute and you can sell growlers to go out of a brewery... So... Not sure you're right on this one unless I'm missing some loophole these guys go thru.

 

I bet if IT is Illegal and they get caught it will hurt. I would think those that are doing it, are doing it in place its legal. If not some one will find out and tell. sooner or later. That day will hurt.....

 

How will it hurt you? It WILL hurt them that SELL IT. IF ITS ILLEGAL. geez man read the post please.

No I was referring to the reseller of the said beer. MEANING if a licensed bar/store reseller a beer that is normally illegal, then they will be hurt IF THEY GET CAUGHT

But hey IF it IS legal for them then its a moot point is it not????