Buying Beer By Mail: Is It Possible?

The ability to buy beer through the mail depends on the country and region in which you live. In the US, for example, the United States Postal Service does not allow the shipment of intoxicating liquors above 0.5% alcohol under almost any circumstance. However, private couriers like UPS and FedEx will ship beer, but only to approved customers who are licensed to ship beer and only to certain states. Additionally, some states have their own laws regarding the shipment of alcohol – Mississippi and Utah, for instance, have blanket bans on mailing alcohol directly to consumers.

Shipping beer in-state vs out-of-state

Shipping beer in-state and out-of-state in the US is a complex process due to the differing regulations in each state. The 21st Amendment, which ended the Prohibition era, gave each state the power to regulate alcohol within its borders, resulting in a patchwork of state-specific laws.

Shipping Beer In-State

Shipping beer within a single state is generally simpler than shipping out-of-state, as you only need to comply with the regulations of that state. However, local laws can still be complex, and some counties and cities may have their own regulations. Before shipping beer in-state, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the relevant state and local laws.

Shipping Beer Out-of-State

Shipping beer across state lines is more complex, as you must comply with the regulations of both the shipping state and the destination state. This includes knowing the laws of the specific counties or cities within the destination state.

Only two states, Mississippi and Utah, have blanket bans on mailing alcohol directly to consumers. However, regulations in the remaining 48 states vary from relatively relaxed to very restrictive.

When shipping beer out-of-state, it is essential to use a courier service that allows alcohol shipments. The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not ship alcohol under any circumstances, and FedEx and UPS have strict requirements for alcohol shipping. Both FedEx and UPS only accept alcohol shipments from licensed alcohol shippers and require a specialised contract or agreement. Additionally, you must disclose that the package contains alcohol and pay an alcohol shipping fee. The recipient must also be over the age of 21 and present to sign for the package upon delivery.

Shipping beer with USPS, UPS, or FedEx

Shipping beer through the mail in the US is a complex issue due to the country's strict alcohol regulations. While it is illegal to send alcohol through the US Postal Service (USPS), private shipping companies like UPS and FedEx have their own policies and requirements for shipping alcohol. Here is a detailed guide on shipping beer with these three major carriers:

USPS

Using the USPS to ship beer is illegal in the US. According to federal law, individuals are prohibited from mailing alcoholic beverages, even within the same state. This restriction dates back to the Prohibition era and is still strictly enforced. Sending beer through the USPS can result in confiscation of the package, fines, and potentially jail time for repeat offences.

UPS

UPS, a private shipping company, does not fall under the same federal regulations as the USPS regarding alcohol shipment. However, UPS has its own policies prohibiting the shipment of alcohol by consumers. UPS's website states that only licensed alcohol retailers with appropriate state licenses are permitted to ship alcohol through their services. Despite this policy, some individuals choose to ship beer through UPS discreetly, declaring the contents as non-alcoholic items like olive oil, vinegar, or "live yeast cultures." It is important to note that shipping beer through UPS as an individual is against their terms of service and may result in account suspension if discovered.

FedEx

Similar to UPS, FedEx, another private shipping company, prohibits consumers from shipping alcohol through their services. Only licensed businesses that are enrolled in the FedEx Alcohol Shipping Program and comply with state regulations can ship alcohol through FedEx. FedEx requires an alcohol shipping agreement to be signed and has specific packaging, labelling, and delivery requirements for alcohol shipments. FedEx also offers resources and tools to assist businesses in complying with alcohol shipping regulations. While FedEx has stricter policies and requirements than UPS, some individuals still choose to discreetly ship beer through FedEx by declaring non-alcoholic contents.

In summary, while it is illegal to ship beer through the USPS in the US, private shipping companies like UPS and FedEx offer alternatives for licensed businesses to ship alcohol, provided they adhere to certain requirements and regulations. Individuals choosing to discreetly ship beer through UPS or FedEx do so at their own risk and should be aware of the potential consequences of violating the companies' terms of service.

States where beer can be mailed

Shipping beer is a complex process due to the differing laws and regulations in each US state. The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not allow the shipment of alcoholic beverages above 0.5% ABV under any circumstances. However, private individuals can ship alcohol through UPS and FedEx, provided they have the appropriate licenses.

There are only seven states (and one district) that allow beer, wine, and liquor to be directly shipped to consumers:

District of Columbia

Eight states allow you to have beer and wine shipped to your home:

Oregon (also, cider)

Four states don't allow the direct shipment of beer and liquor but allow some alcoholic beverages beyond wine:

• Connecticut and New Jersey allow wine, mead, and cider.
• New Mexico allows wine and cider.
• Arkansas allows wine and mead to be shipped, but the consumer must be physically present at the winery to make the purchase.

Only two states have blanket bans on mailing alcohol directly to consumers:

• Mississippi
• Utah

How to package beer for mailing

Mailing beer can be a tricky business, and it's important to know the laws and regulations in your country or state. In the US, for example, the United States Postal Service does not allow the shipment of alcoholic beverages above 0.5% ABV under any circumstances. However, private couriers like UPS and FedEx will ship alcohol, but only from licensed distributors and manufacturers.

If you are mailing beer, it's important to package it carefully to avoid breakages. Here are some tips on how to do this:

• Line your box with a plastic bag to catch any leaks and prevent the box from breaking.
• Use two boxes, one inside the other, for added protection.
• Line the sides and bottom of the box with bubble wrap, or use crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts.
• Wrap each bottle individually with bubble wrap, focusing on the neck of the bottle, which is the most vulnerable point. Secure the bubble wrap with a rubber band. You can also use newspaper, but make sure that if you drop the bottle, it won't break.
• If you are mailing 12oz bottles, pack them in freezer bags for added protection.
• When sealing the box, make sure nothing is moving inside. Stack bottles top to bottom and pack them on their side.
• Reinforce the seals at the top and bottom of the box with tape, as beer is heavy and can cause the glue to give out.
• Don't mail beer in the summer, as the heat can spoil it.

It's also important to know the laws and regulations around mailing alcohol in your area. In the US, for example, it is illegal to ship alcohol across state lines without a license to do so.

Legal consequences of mailing beer

Mailing beer and other alcoholic beverages is a complex issue due to the varying laws and regulations across different states, counties, and municipalities. While it may be tempting to try and send beer through the mail, it is important to be aware of the legal consequences that could arise if you are caught. Here is some information on the legal consequences of mailing beer:

United States Postal Service (USPS)

The USPS will not ship alcohol under any circumstances. This includes not only beer but also other alcoholic beverages such as wine and spirits. Using a box with alcohol-related branding, even if it does not contain alcohol, will result in the USPS refusing to accept the shipment. Sending alcohol through the USPS could result in serious legal consequences, including federal charges.

UPS and FedEx

UPS and FedEx will ship alcohol, but only under specific conditions. Both companies require shippers to have the proper licenses for manufacturing, selling, distributing, or importing alcohol. Sending alcohol through these carriers without the appropriate licenses could result in your package being confiscated and destroyed. Additionally, UPS and FedEx have strict guidelines and requirements for shipping alcohol, and failure to comply with these could result in penalties.

State and Local Laws

Each state has its own regulations regarding the sale and shipment of alcoholic beverages. Mailing beer across state lines requires knowledge of the laws in both the shipping state and the receiving state. Only two states, Mississippi and Utah, have blanket bans on mailing alcohol directly to consumers. Other states have varying levels of regulatory complexity, with some prohibiting alcohol shipments entirely and others allowing them with certain restrictions. Failing to comply with state and local laws when mailing beer could result in fines, penalties, or even jail time.

International Laws

Shipping alcohol internationally is even more complex and difficult. Changing countries can result in your product being seized, quarantined, or destroyed if you do not follow the import and export rules of the destination country. International shipping requires knowledge of both the origin country's and the destination country's regulations to avoid legal consequences.

In conclusion, mailing beer can have serious legal consequences if done improperly. It is important to understand the regulations of the shipping carrier, the origin state, the receiving state (if mailing across state lines), and the destination country (if applicable). Failing to comply with these regulations could result in anything from a stern warning to federal charges and jail time.

Frequently asked questions