Writing Letters To The Editor

Writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper or statewide newspapers is a great way to air the issues of consumer access to wine. Use the contact info on this page to locate the newspaper closest to where you live or to find a statewide newspaper.

How To Write A Good Letter To The Editor:

1. Keep the letter relatively short
2. Address facts and state your opinion clearly
3. Include your name, address and phone number so editors can contact you

How to Write a Letter to the Editor About Wine Access In Illinois

1. Try to note that Illinois Wine Lovers have less access to wine now that they are no longer allowed to purchase wine from out-of-state retailers, wine clubs, auction houses and internet wine stores
2. Note that if Illinois wineries and retailers and out-of-state wineries can safely send wine direct to consumers, what makes out-of-state retailers, wine clubs, Internet wine stores and auction houses less safe?
3. Remind readers that Illinois alcohol distributors, who contributed more than $60 Million to state representatives once again, were able to get protection from competition.
4. Make the point that the same restrictions and safeguards that are applied to out-of-state winery shipping could easily be applied to out-of-state wine store shipping
5. Express your contempt for a process that completely ignores the interests of consumers for the purpose of protecting special interests.
6. Tell readers it’s time for Illinois to take consumers into consideration and fix the states wine shipping laws to once again allow consumers to purchase wine from all sources.

For a list of your local and statewide newspaper editors, including contact information, click here.