Government Red Tape
Many cities, counties, and states wrap small businesses up in red tape that goes far beyond protecting public health and safety. For example, when theater owners in Tucson painted a large mural on the side of their building to advertise an upcoming show, the city cracked down, citing the theater for not following the proper permitting steps, including making a formal presentation before the Sign Code Advisory Committee. Goldwater helps cities see the long-term advantage in minimal, consistent regulation – and isn’t afraid to step in when they overstep their constitutional authority.
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Trading Grapes: The Case for Direct Wine Shipments in Arizona
Posted on November 18, 2003 | Type: Policy Report | Author: Mark BrnovichArizona Law prohibits out-of-state wineries from shipping wine directly to Arizona consumers, with few exceptions. A vestige of Prohibition, Arizona statutes require out-of-state wineries to sell their products to licensed wholesalers (tier 1), who then sell to retailers (tier 2), who select which beverages will be available to consumers (tier 3). It is illegal for an out-of-state producer to bypass the wholesaler. This antiquated three-tiered distribution system grants undue power to wholesalers, drives up the price of wine by forcing the product through a middleman, and reduces choices available to consumers.
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Trading Grapes: The Case for Direct Wine Shipments
Posted on November 14, 2003 | Type: Op-Ed | Author: Mark BrnovichSeventy years after the end of Prohibition, it is illegal for Arizona consumers to purchase wine directly from out-of-state wineries.
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Trading Grapes Policy Forum to Feature Speakers Favoring Direct Shipment of Out-of-State Wine
Posted on November 11, 2003 | Type: Press ReleasePHOENIX-On Tuesday, November 18, 2003, the Goldwater Institute will hold a policy forum to discuss reform of Arizona statutes prohibiting direct shipment of out-of-state wine to consumers. At the event, Goldwater Constitutional Studies Director Mark Brnovich will present a new report, Trading Grapes: The Case for Direct Wine Shipments in Arizona, explaining how Arizona's ban on direct shipment violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, raises prices for consumers, and hurts Arizona's domestic wine industry. Brnovich will call for repeal of the ban.
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Constitutional Scholar Expresses Support for Lawsuit Challenging Arizona's "Wine Cartel"
Posted on October 08, 2003 | Type: Press ReleasePhoenix-Goldwater Institute constitutional studies director Mark Brnovich expressed support for an Institute for Justice lawsuit filed today in federal court, challenging what Brnovich called "Arizona's wine cartel. We've got a clear case of restraint-of-trade here," Brnovich said.
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Reg Problem
Posted on August 26, 2003 | Type: In the NewsThere seems to be plenty of finger-pointing going on, but ultimately, little is being said about the actual reason for the current gas shortage in Phoenix. Everyone seems to be aware that a pipeline broke and we have to wait for federal approval before gas can begin flowing. But, isn't anyone wondering why this problem is confined to the Phoenix metropolitan area?
