Beer and Wine Sales, Chinese Tariffs on U.S. Poultry, and a Net Neutrality Debate

Beer and Wine Sales

Beer and wine distributors are trying to bar potential competition by lobbying against liquor-sale privatization in Virginia and marijuana legalization in California.

Policy Analyst Michelle Minton explains why beer and wine distributors shouldn’t be so concerned.

“According to research from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), 70 percent of spirits drinkers also consume wine and evidence suggests they often purchase these items at the same time (anecdotal evidence indicates that about 50 percent make dual purchases). It makes perfect sense if someone is planning a party or gathering that they would purchase at one time all the refreshments their guests might want.Having liquor next to the wine in a store or pot on a shelf near the beer won’t stop beer and wine drinkers from picking up their favorite bottles. It just makes it more likely that liquor and/or marijuana consumers will purchase one of these other beverages when shopping for their favorite refreshment.”

Chinese Tariffs on U.S. Poultry

China has placed a new tariff on American poultry imports.

Adjunct Scholar Fran Smith argues that China’s move is retaliation for recent U.S. protectionist measures.

“Important trade partners such as China and Mexico that have retaliated against some U.S. protectionist policies may encourage other countries to take action. Tit-for-tat trade remedies won’t improve U.S. competitiveness, but can undermine the international trading system.”

A Net Neutrality Debate

Associate Director of Technology Studies Ryan Radia participated in a radio debate on net neutrality yesterday on NPR’s The State of Things, hosted by Frank Stasio. Also participating were Duke Law School professor James Boyle and iBiblio’s Paul Jones.

Listen to the radio show here.