PROPOSED SHIPPING CODE

[EPICURUS]

I take exception to the paying of sales tax (excise taxes are another matter even though they are excesive). All merchandise of whatever kind should be treated in exactly the same manner. If cameras, computers and chocolate can be ordered out of state and shipped without the mail order house or cyberstore collecting sales tax then the same should go for vino.

Moreover, the recent ecommerce regs recently adopted by Congress specifically exempt items sold over the Internet from any taxes for three years.

I know the wineries have no problem selling direct and collecting taxes, despite the nusance, because they are enjoying the extraordinary markup that would normally be divided by the wholesaler and retailer. However, retailers who ship direct need the tax break to offset the cost of shipping. Those local retailers who say this gives the out of state merchant an advantage don't take into account the shipping costs. Furthermore, the local retailers presumably are getting the benefits provided by the governmental entities imposing the sales tax.