Once more, the three-tier system
by Wine Curmudgeon Posted On
No, Mr. Creighton, it’s not the savior of the booze business — just the opposite
The following is a rant about the three-tier system, and regular readers know what to expect. If you’re new here, know this isn’t the wine writing you’re used to.
Francis Creighton, the president and CEO of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, recently spoke to a trade gathering, lauding the three-tier system for making the world a better place.
The WC had just a couple of disagreements (yes, sarcasm) with what Creighton said:
• “Regulations ensure consumer confidence in product integrity.” Hardly. Tainted alcohol deaths are almost unheard of in France or the United Kingdom, where the three-tier system doesn’t exist.
• “Independent distributors prevent ‘tied houses’ where suppliers can force the on- or off-premise to stock products from only one company.” Which doesn’t quite explain the federal government’s frequent investigations into wholesalers who use cash and gifts to get sales and offer illegal quid pro quos – buy this product, which no one wants, and I’ll sell you this product, which everyone wants.
• “This market is a unique achievement, a profitable public-private partnership that serves the need of all stakeholders along the value chain.” Unique certainly, but hardly serving my needs or those of any other consumer who objects to oligopoly-imposed higher prices and less choice. To say nothing of the needs of small retailers, restaurants, and wineries, who are afterthoughts in the current system.
All of which was bad enough. What was really terrifying was that he probably believes all that stuff. Is it any wonder I worry about the future of the wine business?
More about the absurdity of the three-tier system:
• More wackiness in the three-tier system
• Winecast 56: Tom Wark, three-tier reform, and buying wine on Amazon
• The sham and hypocrisy behind the three-tier system