AP Photo: Christophe Ena
The antiquated liquor laws of the great State of Tennessee move one step closer to reasonableness as Tennesseans are now allowed to have wine shipped directly to us. The Tennessee Senate recently passed a bill which allows a supplier of wine to apply for a permit, comply with certain regulations and pay a fee to be allowed to ship wine to certain Tennessee residents. Individuals can then order wine from these suppliers and provide proof of identification upon receipt to ensure the recipient of the wine is of legal drinking age. Naturally, there is a limit on the amount of wine that can be shipped to a single individual. And unfortunately Tennesseans living in dry counties will still not have the privilege of having wine shipped to them.
But rejoice! Those of us who live in counties where liquor can be sold can order wine from these out of state suppliers now and with proof of identification, can enjoy a bottle of wine from a favorite California vineyard. However, the battle for reasonable liquor laws continues as we still can not buy wine in grocery stores. As many of the citizens of Tennessee wish for the right to be able to buy wine in grocery stores, a political action committee, the Red, White and Food Voters Political Action Committee, has been formed to lobby for a change in legislation. The Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Association opposes the wine in grocery stores legislation and the opposition is powerful. This battle is currently at the bottom of a very steep hill, so for now let's just grab a glass, pop open a bottle and enjoy a small victory.
Comments
My understanding is that the license is only available to wineries, not retailers. "Supplier" is then not quite accurate.
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