TWO DIRECT WINE SHIPPING BILLS ARE PENDING IN ARIZONA

After wholesaler backed HB2697 was defeated in the Arizona House Commerce Committee, the Legislature is reviewing two new bills that would legalize direct wine shipping. House Bill 2500 is currently being considered by the Rules Committee and would allow Arizona natives to buy wine directly from out-of-state and in-state wineries. Senate Bill 1276 allows phone, mail, fax and/or Internet wine orders along with direct shipment, and will soon receive a floor vote after being approved by the Senate Rules Committee. However, like most direct wine shipping legislation, the proposed state laws only apply to small wineries that produce less than 50,000 gallons a year.