State moves to shut direct wine shipments
Direct shipment of wine to Michigan consumers, except under tightly controlled conditions, will be shut down under legislation that was headed toward final approval in the state Legislature on Thursday night.
The legislation -- prompted by a federal court decision striking down a state law that prohibited out-of-state retailers from shipping wine to consumers, while permitting in-state retailers to do so -- won easy approval in the state Senate and faces little opposition in the House.
Backers, including the state Liquor Control Commission, said it was necessary to block potentially unfettered alcohol shipments from around the country.
Not acting would "threaten liquor control laws," said state Sen. Alan Sanborn, R-Richmond, the legislation's chief supporter in the Senate.
In response to objections to an earlier version the House approved, the Senate OK'd direct shipments to consumers by retailers who make their own deliveries. The Senate version also permitted shipments by Michigan retailers to customers in other states. Wineries can make direct shipment under legislation approved several years ago.
Sen. Gilda Jacobs, D-Huntington Woods, said the revised bill, which she initially opposed, should allow companies like one in her district, www.winebuys.com, which specializes in direct shipment, to remain in business. But wine buyers, like those who challenged the current law in court, will have fewer options than before the lawsuit was filed.