Wyoming Narrowly Rejects Efforts To Further Restrict Internet Sales Of Alcohol
 
November 22, 2000
 

In late October, the Joint Revenue Interim Committee of the Wyoming Legislature voted 6 to 6 on a proposal that would initiate legislation totally prohibiting the out-of-state direct shipment of distilled spirits to Wyoming consumers. Because of the tie vote, the proposal failed.

Wyoming is a “control state.” Currently, Wyoming’s beverage laws prohibit the shipment of distilled spirits outside of the State’s own control. However, some out-of-state suppliers argue that the State’s beverage laws do not address the issue of direct shipping specifically, and provide no penalties for interstate deliveries of alcohol beverages directly to consumers.

According to Johnnie Burton, the Director of the Wyoming Department of Revenue (which oversees alcohol sales for the State), authority does exist for prohibiting unlicensed interstate shipments to consumers, through an Attorney General opinion that construes Wyoming law to prohibit such shipments. However, Mr. Burton acknowledged that Wyoming has no enforcement of that law, and no penalties for those who violate it.