Archive for April 18th, 2006
Colorado bill signed by Governor Owens
April 18th, 2006
Effective on July 1st, 2006, Colorado will officially move from a reciprocal state to a limited-direct state. See the file in the ShipCompliant Document Library for the full details of House Bill 1120, which will establish a permit system for in-state and out-of-state wineries. Governor Bill Owens signed the bill on Thursday.
Colorado was previously considered by most to be a “reciprocal” state even though a direct shipping license was required as was a previous onsite visit by Colorado consumers. The new legislation will remove the onsite visit requirement and remove the current per customer quantity limit of two cases per individual per month. Excise taxes and monthly reporting will apply, but the Colorado ABC has yet to determine the exact requirements for reporting and taxes.
Congratulations to our friend Doug Caskey at the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board and Chuck McGrigg from the Wine Institute for helping to get this favorable legislation passed.
Maryland to allow self-distribution
April 18th, 2006
Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich is expected to sign into law a bill that would allow in-state and out-of-state wineries to sell directly to retailers. Senate Bill 812 would allow any licensed U.S. winery that produces less than 27,500 gallons to self distribute to Maryland restaurants and retailers.
This bill does not improve the situation in Maryland. Although it is being advertised as a “compromise” between Maryland wineries and wholesalers, it is basically par for the course. The only change is that now out-of-state small farm wineries can self distribute to Maryland retailers. Direct to consumer shipments will remain prohibited.
Score one for the wholesalers, who got their way at the expense of Maryland consumers.
