Could Delivery of Alcoholic Beverages Save the U.S. Postal Service? Ms. Bels Friday, August 2, 2013 The Receipt Out of the federal government agencies that is in serious debt, the United States Postal Service is one that has had to quickly adjust its way it does business. Recently, the House committee passed legislation that reduced the number of days the U.S.P.S. delivered mail – to only five days a week. Also, legislation was passed that got rid of door-to-door delivers for the next 10 years. Now, the Postmaster General, Patrick Donahoe, is trying his best to have the U.S.P.S. allowed to ship alcoholic beverages, which is restricted by law. Donahoe explains that the shipment of wine, spirits, and beer has the potential to help the agency raise $50 million in revenue, per year. Due to the fact that alcohol is considered a “fragile” item, there would be new packaging available which allows two, four, or six bottles to be shipped at one time at a flat rate. Donahoe is sure that this bill would help the agency tremendously. Of course, there will be strict guidelines associated with the shipment process. The Senate passed a postal reform bill last year that included a provision allowing the agency to deliver alcohol. The bill would require that such shipments would have to comply with any state laws where the shipment originated and was delivered. The measure also said the recipient would have to be at least 21 years old and would need to provide valid, government-issued photo identification upon delivery. (AP) We will keep you updated if and when the bill is passed.
