The bill amends the Direct Shipment of Vinous Liquor Act to establish a new Wine Direct Shipper License, which is required for wineries, suppliers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, or retailers to ship vinous liquor directly to Arkansas consumers. Key changes include the replacement of the term "registration" with "wine direct shipper license," and the introduction of a new annual renewal fee structure, increasing the initial license fee from $25 to $100 and the renewal fee from $25 to $50. Additionally, the bill allows wine direct shipper licensees to ship up to 24 nine-liter cases of wine annually to residents who are at least 21 years old, reside in areas where the sale of alcoholic beverages is authorized, and are purchasing for personal use.

The bill also includes provisions for tax collection, reporting, and compliance. Wine direct shipper licensees are required to collect and submit sales and excise taxes as if the sale occurred at an Arkansas small farm winery. They must report the amount of vinous liquor shipped into the state annually and are subject to audits by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. Furthermore, the bill establishes penalties for those who ship vinous liquor without a license, classifying such actions as a Class C misdemeanor. The Director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division is empowered to adopt rules to implement these changes effectively.

Statutes affected:
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