What is the Three-Tier System?

Following the repeal of Prohibition, states created a three-tier alcohol distribution system which strikes a careful balance between control and access of this socially important but potentially harmful product.

In this system, brewers sell their beer to distributors, and distributors market, sell and safely deliver those beers to retailers. Independent beer distributors are the indispensable buffer between brewers and retailers, preventing dangerous practices, while delivering unprecedented consumer choice, variety and safety.

Watch this video to learn more.

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The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents the interests of America’s 3,300 licensed, independent beer distributor operations in every state, congressional district and media market across the country.

Beer distributors are committed to ensuring alcohol is provided safely and responsibly to consumers of legal drinking age through the three-tier, state-based system of alcohol regulation and distribution.