The bill amends the Direct Shipment of Vinous Liquor Act to establish a new Wine Direct Shipper License, which allows licensed wineries, suppliers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, or retailers to ship vinous liquor directly to Arkansas consumers. Key changes include the requirement for these entities to obtain a wine direct shipper license, which involves filing an application, providing a true copy of their current alcoholic beverage license, and paying a renewal fee of $50. The bill also specifies that a wine direct shipper licensee may ship up to 24 nine-liter cases of wine annually to residents in wet counties, provided the recipient is at least 21 years old and the shipment is for personal use.

Additionally, the bill outlines compliance measures and penalties for violations of the shipping regulations. It mandates that wine direct shipper licensees collect and report sales and excise taxes, and it establishes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential suspension of the license for repeated violations. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Division is tasked with enforcing these regulations and ensuring compliance through audits and investigations. The bill also repeals previous provisions related to small farm winery shipments, streamlining the process under the new licensing framework.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1476 Original - 2-13-2025 12:03 PM: 3-5-1703, 3-5-1707, 3-5-1601, 3-5-1705, 3-5-1704, 3-5-1605, 3-7-104, 3-7-111, 3-7-201, 26-52-521(b), 3-5-1706, 3-5-1709, 3-5-1710, 3-5-1602(c), 3-5-1602
HB 1476: 3-5-1703, 3-5-1707, 3-5-1601, 3-5-1705, 3-5-1704, 3-5-1605, 3-7-104, 3-7-111, 3-7-201, 26-52-521(b), 3-5-1706, 3-5-1709, 3-5-1710, 3-5-1602(c), 3-5-1602