Bills would boost Iowa jobs, expand consumer choice and modernize spirits marketplace
The American Distilling Institute (ADI) and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), two of the nation’s leading organizations representing distillers large and small, today launched “Ship My Spirits,” a campaign supporting legislation that would allow Iowa distillers to ship spirits directly to adult consumers.
The campaign backs HF 2354 and SF 245, bipartisan bills moving through the Iowa Legislature that would permit spirits direct‑to‑consumer (DTC) shipping—bringing spirits in line with wine, which has been shipped directly to consumers in Iowa for more than two decades.
“Allowing direct‑to‑consumer shipping for spirits in Iowa will drive consumer interest and support the state’s growing distilling industry,” said Erik Owens, president of ADI. “The marketplace has evolved, and consumers are accustomed to having products shipped directly to their homes, including wine. There is no rational reason to prohibit the same option for spirits.”
“Ship My Spirits” is a grassroots coalition focused on modernizing the spirits marketplace by allowing regulated, responsible DTC shipping of distilled spirits. The campaign’s website, ShipMySpirits.org, features an interactive map that allows consumers to explore state‑by‑state spirits shipping laws and learn more about the industry’s economic impact.
In Iowa alone, the spirits industry—including more than 20 local distilleries—supports 12,700 jobs and contributes more than $1.47 billion to the state’s economy.
“Consumers want the ability to have spirits shipped directly from the distilleries they know and love, and that’s exactly what the ‘Ship My Spirits’ campaign is about,” said Chris Swonger, president and CEO of DISCUS. “Allowing distillers to ship spirits to adult consumers modernizes the marketplace while expanding consumer choice, supporting small businesses and growing tourism. It also creates an important on‑ramp to distribution for new products—ultimately strengthening the three‑tier system.”
The website also makes it easy for consumers to engage, enabling visitors to send messages to their legislators in support of spirits DTC shipping in less than three minutes.
Wine producers have responsibly shipped wine direct-to-consumers for decades. HF 2354 and SF 245 mirror the well-established and appropriate responsibility measures already in place for wine shipments that prevent minors from illegally accessing beverage alcohol. Just as IDs are required for any alcohol purchase, ID checks are required in order for the recipient to accept an alcohol delivery. Additionally, an adult signature is required.
