Some states use a "three-tier" system of distribution, in which a winery must sell to a distributor, which must sell to a retailer, which then sells to customers. The wholesalers control which wines are available in a given state, and each state has just a few wholesalers operating there. If a wholesaler doesn't care to work with one of the nation's 5,000-odd wineries, too bad for you if you want that winery's offerings.
During the decade-plus debate over direct Internet sales of wine, it's proponents of that three-tier system that have been most resistant to change and most vocal in opposition to online wine purchases.
The odious system at play here is bad economics, bad law and very bad for consumers. The ABLE commission's oh-so-cozy relationship to the liquor distributors is an insult to the taxpayer and a scandal. It is time and past time for Oklahomans to end this farce.
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