In 1919, during the Prohibition period, alcohol was banned in the United States with the passage of the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution. But in 1933 the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution repealed the 18th Amendment, and gave states the power to enact their own laws regarding the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol.

Today, each state—and in some cases, each municipality or county—has its own regulations regarding the sale and shipment of all alcoholic beverages. When shipping alcohol across state borders, both the law of the state from which the shipment is made and the law of the state in which it is received are relevant. And the commercial carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL only ship alcohol to and from licensed manufacturers, distributors, sellers, and importers.

In New York, the regulation of alcohol is governed by the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA), which oversees the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol within the state. New York allows for the direct shipment of wine to consumers from licensed wineries, both in-state and out-of-state, but with specific limitations and requirements such as licensing and quantity restrictions. However, shipping other types of alcohol like spirits and beer directly to consumers is generally more restricted. For businesses, including carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL, to legally ship alcohol into, out of, or within New York, they must comply with the state's licensing requirements and ensure that recipients are of legal drinking age. It's important to note that the laws are subject to change and can vary significantly between different states and local jurisdictions. Therefore, anyone involved in the shipment of alcohol should consult with an attorney or the SLA to ensure compliance with current regulations.