Bill > H294

This bill authorizes the direct shipment of wine by licensed wineries to consumers over 21 years old for personal use, not resale, through common carriers that hold a valid transportation permit. Wineries must obtain a "direct shipper's license" from the commission for an annual fee of $100, provided they hold a federal basic permit and a license to manufacture and export wine in their home state. These licensed shippers are limited to sending a maximum of 24 cases of wine per year to any single resident within the Commonwealth. They are required to report their total shipments annually, pay all applicable taxes to the department of revenue as if the sale occurred at the delivery location, and allow audits of their records. Shipping wine directly without this license is considered a deceptive act. The bill also outlines penalties for violations, including warnings, fines, and temporary or permanent suspension of direct shipping privileges, with stricter penalties for shipments to individuals under 21. The commission is empowered to create rules and regulations to implement this law and must report annually on its activities. Additionally, the bill makes a minor amendment to existing law regarding transportation permits and states that its provisions are severable.