Bill allowing direct shipment of wine to New Jersey homes approved by state Senate

Legislation that would allow New Jersey consumers to receive direct shipments from wineries was approved Thursday by a Senate committee.

The proposal's sponsors, Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney (D-Gloucester) and Sen. Brian Stack (D-Hudson) maintain that lifting the direct-shipping ban would not only be beneficial to consumers, but would also be a boon to the state's emerging wine industry, as many small wineries only have their products available for sale in a limited number of stores or on-site.

If enacted, New Jersey would join 35 other states that allow direct-shipping of wine.

The bill, S-766, would authorize the state Alcoholic Beverage Commission to issue direct-shipping licenses to holders of either a New Jersey plenary winery license with retail privileges or a New Jersey farm winery license. Out-of-state shippers also would be allowed to receive a shipping license, with the stipulation that they provide the state Division of Taxation payment for any excise and sales taxes due and an annual report noting quantity and type of alcoholic beverages shipped to New Jersey consumers.

"Allowing direct shipments of wine to and from New Jersey will not only enhance consumer choice, but would provide essential inroads for our budding wine industry," Sweeney said. "With our wineries producing better and better wines and winning prestigious awards, we should be expanding, not limiting, access to New Jersey wines."

"New Jersey consumers should not have to be limited only to what's in stock at their local wine store, nor should they have to drive half-way across the state to get a quality New Jersey wine," Stack said. "Likewise, out-of-state visitors who try New Jersey wines and want to purchase them shouldn't be shut out. It's time we give consumers and vintners the ability to deal directly with each other."

New Jersey is the sixth-largest wine producing state in the country.

The bill was released unanimously by the Law and Public Safety Committee and moves to the full upper house for consideration.