Bill > HB5397

This bill modifies Texas law to expand the activities permitted for out-of-state winery direct shipper's permit holders. Currently, these permit holders can sell and deliver wine to Texas consumers, but the bill now allows them to conduct wine sampling and tasting events at specific public venues like civic festivals, farmers' markets, and similar celebrations. The new provisions strictly regulate these sampling events: samples are limited to one ounce per person, must not be removed from the event premises, and can only include wine produced or bottled by the permit holder. The permit holder is responsible for the cost of the wine samples and can transport wine to the event for sampling purposes. The bill also clarifies that wine deliveries must be made by a carrier permit holder. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is authorized to develop additional rules to implement these new sampling guidelines, and the changes will take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislative change appears designed to provide out-of-state wineries more opportunities to promote their products directly to Texas consumers in controlled, public settings.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5397