Craft distillers push for direct-to-consumer shipping reforms as California law nears expiration

thespiritsbusiness.com reports that the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and Sovos ShipCompliant have published their fifth annual study examining direct-to-consumer (DTC) spirits shipping. At present, merely ten states and Washington, D.C. allow interstate and local spirit deliveries, contrasted with wine, which has DTC authorization across 49 states and D.C.

Craft distillers face an impending contraction as California's temporary DTC extension expires at the end of 2026. California holds the largest concentration of craft distilleries nationwide, yet lawmakers failed to enact an extension during the 2026 legislative calendar due to election pressures and conflicting industry lobbying.

Existing DTC rules remain heavily fragmented. Arizona restricts direct shipping permissions to facilities manufacturing under 20,000 gallons each year. Rhode Island limits parcels strictly to on-site tasting room purchases, while Vermont restricts shipments to ready-to-drink spirits beverages measuring at least 12% ABV. Meanwhile, an in-state shipping measure in Washington is currently contested in court.

According to an August study of 2,001 adults cited in the report, 68% favor modernizing shipping regulations to permit DTC across additional jurisdictions, while 82% want to purchase craft spirits through direct delivery channels. Trade representatives argue that expanding shipping frameworks complements traditional distribution by opening avenues where wholesaler consolidation has constrained access.

Originally reported by [thespiritsbusiness.com](https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/10/craft-spirits-sector-calls-for-dtc-shipping-reform/). DISTRYB summarises the facts; read the full story there.