Franchisees of United Parcel Services today charged that UPS policies force them to take part in the distribution of alcoholic beverages, despite potential harm to underage customers or local restrictions against such shipments.
As small business owners, we are very concerned about UPS’ special service for its selected customers, known as Corporate Retail Solution (CRS),” said Joseph Wightman, an official in the Platinum Shield Association (PSA), an organization of current and former Mailboxes, Etc. (MBE) franchisees across the country. “CRS requires that we handle alcohol — specifically wine, despite the risk that an underage customer may be assigned to pick up the shipment. I am also concerned that many of our employees are under 21 years of age and may inadvertently be breaking the law,” he added.
“It troubles me and many of my associates that we have no say in providing the service,” Wightman said, “no matter what we think or — in some cases — what local regulations might say about such a practice. Further, UPS is putting its franchisees at grave moral and financial liability in the event an underage recipient drinks the wine and causes a tragic auto accident.”
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