New Jersey Takes On Direct Shipping Debate

Kevin Barry
Posted: February 5, 2010

The direct shipping dispute is escalating in New Jersey as state lawmakers consider making it legal for wineries to bypass the wholesale and retail tiers and ship directly to consumers. The bill would allow in-state and out-of-state producers, wholesalers and retailers to apply for a license to ship wine directly to consumers. A licensed shipper would be permitted to ship up to 24 nine-liter cases of wine per year per adult consumer.

Garden State wine retailers, among others, are opposed to the proposal because they could lose business and concerns exist about minors procuring wine through direct shipments. Proponents note that direct shipping would give consumers access to many boutique wineries that do not have retail penetration. The New Jersey State Senate Law and Public Safety Committee recently held a hearing on the bill. The bill was introduced during the last legislative session but never made it to the floor for a vote. There is an identical bill at the state Assembly but a date for a vote on it has not yet been set. Under the existing law, New Jersey residents can only get wine shipped to a retailer.

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