I've always been pretty sympathatic to the FtG movement. But...now...not so sure.
Our NM Legislature recently considering a bill (HB-115) that was put up by the WineInstitute. As usual, the consumer's interests were not included in its formulation. The only support for this badly-crafted bill was from the two larger distributors (Southern & National) and the WineInstitute....and FtG. The original bill was one that we could have lived with and I'd have given my lukewarm support. But at National & Southern's pressure, and with the WineInstitute's Katy Jacoy's concurrence, the provision to allow wine retailer's inclusion in the shipping clause was stripped out. This has a huge impact on most of us in NM who DI wines inasmuch as many/many wines we're interested in are not available in NM & we have to order them from retailers out-of-state, usually Calif.
There was considerable opposition to the (amended) bill...from nearly all the consumers, most all the wine retailers I know, and most of all the other (small) wine distributors.
The bill's Senate hearing was held last Fri night. The distributor's (National & Southern) lobbyist, DanWeeks, cited support for the bill from WI (natch) and also FtG (say whot??? I thought they were looking out for the consumer's best interests)!!! I was shocked...shocked I tell you.
Sure enough...I went to the FtG's WebSite and there was their outright endorsement of the (amended) bill.
Harumph...I thought these folks were our friends. Guess not.
Fortunately, the Senate committee's members (mostly) recognized the widespread opposition to the bill and the badly-crafted legislation and tabled the bill...where it will probably die when the NM Legislature adjourns next week.
But National & Southern have the $$'s behind them and the ear of many of the legislators, so we'll have to fight another similar bill again next year. And, as usual, the consumer's interests will come in last, if at all. And I would guess that FtG will not be looking out for us.
Friday's experience was exactly as they always say.."Two things you don't want to see being made...sausages and laws". The committee chairman was more than willing to let the distributor's supporters have their say. But was insistent that those opposed could not be heard after the first three speakers in opposition and cut off a bunch who wanted to express their opinions.
So sad. You get what you pay for, I guess.
Tom