ARIZONA LEANING TOWARDS WHOLESALERS

Arizona is faced with three bills set to determine the outcome of wine shipments in the state. Local wineries back HB2500 which would give a farm winery license to all U.S. small wineries and allow direct delivery. This proposed law, however, is stalled and will probably be killed in the Natural Resources Agriculture Committee. The Senate Commerce Committee will hear SB1276 today (Wednesday), a bill that will allow wineries to ship directly to customers but not to stores or restaurants. However, the proposed law holding the most promise is HB2697 which upholds the 3-tir system and will also be heard today by the House Commerce Committee.