Which of the following is an exception to the 3-tier system?

The 3-tier system in the United States is designed to separate the production, distribution, and retail sales of alcoholic beverages to promote responsible consumption and reduce the potential for monopolistic practices. However, there are certain exceptions to this system that allow for more direct interactions between consumers and producers.

Brewery taprooms represent a notable exception to the 3-tier system since they allow breweries to sell their own products directly to consumers on-site. This model encourages craft brewing and provides an opportunity for breweries to cultivate a deeper relationship with their customers. Taprooms allow breweries to showcase their products and foster a community atmosphere, which is essential for many small-scale operations to thrive in a competitive market. Through this direct sales approach, breweries can capture the full retail price of their products, as opposed to having to go through distributors and retailers, which would typically reduce their profit margin.

In contrast, brewery-sponsored events, online alcohol sales, and alcohol delivery services still often require involvement from distributors or adherence to specific regulations that align more closely with the traditional 3-tier system. These alternatives might not provide the same level of autonomy for breweries that taproom sales allow, as they may still need to navigate through various intermediaries. Thus, taprooms stand out as a prominent example