US Brewery Self-Distribution Laws: 2022 Update
For most craft breweries across America, self distribution makes sense. Time intensive and expensive at onset – sure – self-distro offers control over where products are sold, what margins are maintained, and how market relationships are managed over time.
That said, self-distribution isn't a luxury every craft brewery in the United States has access to.
Across America, individual states are responsible for setting their own distribution and direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping laws. Understanding how to navigate the two- and three-tier distribution system can be complicated, and you'll need to understand the state laws in place prior to moving your product.
Below you'll find a summary of US brewery distribution laws by state.
State | Self Distro | DTC Shipping |
|---|---|---|
Alabama | No | No |
Alaska | Yes | Yes |
Arizona | Yes | No |
Arkansas | Yes | No |
California | Yes | No |
Colorado | Yes | No |
Connecticut | Yes | No |
Delaware | No | No |
District of Columbia | Yes | No |
Florida | No | No |
Georgia | No | No |
Hawaii | Yes | No |
Idaho | Yes | No |
Illinois | Yes | No |
Indiana | Yes | No |
Iowa | Yes | No |
Kansas | No | No |
Kentucky | No | Yes |
Louisiana | No | No |
Maine | Yes | No |
Maryland | Yes | No |
Massachusetts | Yes | No |
Michigan | Yes | No |
Minnesota | Yes | No |
Mississippi | No | No |
Missouri | No | No |
Montana | Yes | No |
Nebraska | Yes | Yes |
Nevada | No | No |
New Hampshire | Yes | Yes |
New Jersey | Yes | No |
New Mexico | Yes | No |
New York | Yes | No |
North Carolina | Yes | No |
North Dakota | Yes | Yes |
Ohio | Yes | Yes |
Oklahoma | Yes | Yes |
Oregon | Yes | Yes (Limited) |
Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes (Limited) |
Rhode Island | No | Yes (Limited) |
South Carolina | No | No |
South Dakota | Yes | No |
Tennessee | Yes | No |
Texas | Yes | No |
Utah | Yes | No |
Vermont | No | Yes |
Virginia | Yes | Yes |
Washington | Yes | No |
West Virginia | Yes | No |
Wisconsin | Yes | No |
Wyoming | Yes | No |
Distribution data courtesy of the Brewers Association.
Note that these laws are interstate, and that expansion into states outside of your own will require a re-assessment of distribution regulations. If you're operating in a state where self-distribution is legal, we recommend you read up on the key differences between distribution options to ensure you select the best alternative for your business.
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