Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes Delaware residents aged 21 and older to receive direct shipments of limited quantities of wine and beer from out-of-state producers or retailers in Delaware.

Highlights:

• Authorizes Delaware residents, ages 21 or older, to purchase up to 60 bottles of wine and 6 cases of beer per calendar year directly from out-of-state manufacturers or retailers for personal use (Sec. 1(b)).

• Prohibits a wine direct shipper licensee from (Sec. 1(b)):

• Shipping wine to any person who is under the age of 21;

• Shipping more than 3 9-liter cases of wine annually to any household for the household’s personal use;

• Shipping any wine for resale;

• Shipping more than 1,800 9-liter cases into this State per year; and

• Shipping wine if they are currently represented in the State by a licensed importer/wholesaler. 

• Requires direct alcohol shipments into the state to be delivered through a Delaware licensed common carrier wholesaler and retailer (Sec. 1(e)).

• Requires that all containers of wine shipped directly to a resident of the State must have a label that states that it contains alcohol and must be signed for by an individual of age 21 or older (Sec. 1(e)).

• Specifies that direct shipper licensees must submit quarterly reports on sales and revenue, pay taxes, and pay a license fee of $400, or $3,600 if shipping more than 200 cases annually (Secs. 2, 3).

• Establishes fines of $250 to $500 for failure to verify recipient age upon delivery and establishes that failure to pay these fines could result in imprisonment for up to 10 days (Sec 4(p)).

Full Bill Text