A group of health, safety and education groups from across the nation have signed an amicus curiae brief supporting Michigan's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down a federal appeals court ruling that allows wine sales over the Internet.
The brief was delivered to the high court Thursday.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Sixth District allowed liquor sales over the Internet, according to the groups.
The groups—calling themselves the Coalition for a Safe and Responsible Michigan (CSRM)--include the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, the Traffic Safety Association of Michigan and the Traffic Safety Association of Macomb County.
The brief focused on the danger posed to minors if alcohol regulations are eliminated, including a large increase underage access to alcohol through the Internet and phone, according to the CSRM.
The groups also felt the appeals court's decision would render state alcohol regulation unenforceable.
This issue is not new for direct marketers.
Michigan and New York both ban wine sales across state lines, which are most often transacted over the Internet, according to the Washington Post. Those states are joined by the attorneys general of about 35 other states as well as liquor distributors who fear a loss of business to the online channel.
The high court is scheduled to take up the appeal during its fall session, which begins October with a decision expected early next year.
