Posts from the New Hampshire Category
Controlled Shipping: HB 1352 Will Make Some Changes to New Hampshire’s Direct Shipping Laws
September 1st, 2010
HB 1352, a bill that includes changes to volume limits, permit fees, reporting requirements, and common carrier requirements, was signed by Governor John Lynch on July 15, 2010. Direct shipping is already available for wineries and retailers in New Hampshire, but the changes that will take effect on January 1, 2011 will have an impact on wineries, retailers and also on common carriers.
Consumer volume limits for wine will increase from the current 60 individual “containers” (none of which can exceed 1 Liter in size) per household per year, to 12 nine-Liter cases per consumer per year. Additionally, the Commission may provide allowances for more wine to be shipped to an individual consumer if the product is not otherwise available within the state. Direct shipping permits, previously free for both wineries and retailers, will now cost $100 for wineries and $500 for retailers, annually. Monthly “markup” (8 percent of the retail price for shipments of liquor, wine, beer, or beverage) tax reports will need only be filed if there are shipments to report, whereas previously, monthly reports were due even if shipments were not made.
If a permittee ships more than 600 Liters (previously set to 1,200 individual containers) of any particular liquor or wine, the permittee must offer to sell a matching amount to the state at the lowest price delivered into New Hampshire, if they want to ship more than the 600 Liter limit.
Effective January 1, 2011, common carriers (FedEX, UPS, etc.) will be required to cease shipments from wine shippers that do not hold valid shipping permits in the state of New Hampshire. An “unauthorized shipper” list will be provided by the Commission to the carriers on a monthly basis. This is a unique requirement for the common carriers to be responsible for maintaining a “do not ship from” list, blocking shipments into New Hampshire from unauthorized shippers.
New Hampshire Updates Monthly Reporting Form
April 9th, 2010
The New Hampshire Liquor Commission has just established a new fax line dedicated to direct shipping. Direct Shippers should fax their monthly report to the new fax number 603-271-8424 on or before the 10th of the following month. Direct Shipping Reports must be filed each month regardless of activity. Wineries with no shipments to report are encouraged to email their reports as attachments to directshippers@liquor.state.nh.us instead sending via fax. The Direct Shipping Monthly Report form has been updated with the new fax number and is posted on the Wine Institute website. Should you have any questions please contact Annie Bones, Wine Institute’s State Relations Coordinator, at 415-356-7530 or abones@wineinstitute.org.
by Annie Bones, State Relations – Wine Institute
Direct Shipping Licensing Updates
March 4th, 2010
Michigan
Direct shipping permits for Michigan are renewable on May 1. The annual renewal cost for the Michigan Permit is $100; the same as the initial permit fee. For those wineries that do not have a direct shipping permit for MI now is good time to consider applying. Licenses are valid from May 1 – April 30 and the $100 fee is not prorated. The permit allows wineries to ship up to 1,500 9-liter cases to Michigan consumers. Brand registration is required. This can be completed through the MLCC’s online label registration program for no fee. Sales tax and excise tax must be paid and reports must be filed.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has updated its direct shipping permit application. The updated application is now available on Wine Institute’s website along with the instructions. Please be sure to complete the application in its entirety and attach all required documents. Incomplete applications will be returned. Applicants will be happy to note that there is no permit fee. Approved shippers are allowed to ship up to 60 containers of not more than 1 liter each to each consumer during a calendar year. Monthly reports and tax payments are required.
Tennessee
The Tennessee Alcohol Beverage Commission has updated their ”Direct Shipper Application Requirements – ABC” document posted on the TN ABC and Wine Institute websites. The original version of the document did not include the “Wholesale Gallonage Letter” requirement. The Wholesale Gallonage letter is one of 2 documents issued by the TN Department of Revenue that wineries must submit with their application. The second document is the “Certificate of Registration for Sales and Use Tax.” While the application on the TN Department of Revenue website says a bond is required, a bond is not required for wineries. For the TN DOR wholesale gallonage and sales and use tax application form, go to: http://www.state.tn.us/revenue/forms/general/f13005_1.pdf. Licenses are valid 1 year from the date issued and the annual license fee is $150.00. There is also a 1 time non-refundable application fee of $300. Additional information about the application process is available on the Wine Institute website. Wineries may also contact Sharon Loveall at the TN Alcoholic Beverage Commission with any questions about winery direct shipping permits at 615.741.1602, ext. 141
By Annie Bones, State Relations – Wine Institute
Notes on Wine Distribution v.32
February 4th, 2010
The latest version of “Notes on Wine Distribution”, by R. Corbin Houchins, is now available. Release 32 includes updates on legislation, litigation and general discussions on available distribution channels for wine. This release includes substantial changes, including new sections on age and identity, facial neutrality, and logistical support services, as well as updates to state summaries in Arizona, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Read about these and other updates that affect the way wine is sold and shipped within the United States.
If you are at all interested in the shipping and distribution of wine, this is an excellent resource that is well worth reading. You can view the most recent version of the document anytime by visiting the ShipCompliant Blog and clicking the link located under “Compliance Resources”, or by visiting CorbinCounsel.com and clicking on the home page link, “Notes on Wine Distribution.”
One Less Dry Town in New Hampshire
December 9th, 2008
Wineries with a valid direct-to-consumer shipping permit may now ship to consumers in Landaff, New Hampshire. The city of Landaff voted to end its status as a dry town effective immediately. Four dry cities remain in New Hampshire: Brookfield, Ellsworth, Monroe and Sharon. Wineries are prohibited from shipping wine to consumers in dry regions in New Hampshire. More information about shipping wine directly to New Hampshire consumers can be found by visiting the Wine Institute website.
Annie Bones, State Relations – Wine Institute
