State to Seek Reciprocal Shipping for Wine, Liquor

State Sen. Mike Thompson delivered a wake-up call this summer when he threatened to withdraw California and its $350,000 in annual dues from the national association of state legislatures.

The St. Helena Democrat wanted to make sure the rest of the nation understood just how upset his wine country constituents were over laws forbidding California wineries from shipping their product directly to customers in other states.

Now, with the backing of California’s $9-billion wine industry and its powerful trade association, the Wine Institute, Thompson is taking a slightly less confrontational approach.

In January, he plans to introduce legislation that would ease California’s restrictions on wine and alcohol imports in the hope that states such as Florida, Georgia and Kentucky would reciprocate and repeal their laws that make it a felony for California vintners to ship directly to consumers in those states.

Only 13 states have reciprocal shipping agreements with California that allow up to five gallons of wine (about two cases), beer and hard liquor to be shipped directly to individuals each month.

The interstate alcohol shipping issue traces its origins to the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, when Congress granted states the right to regulate alcohol imports by requiring out-of-state alcohol producers to sell through private wholesalers or state control boards rather than to the public.

But the creators of that system never envisioned such things as mail-order shopping or Internet commerce. Nor did they factor in the growth of tourism; more than a few out-of-state visitors to California’s tasting rooms have been left with sour tastes in their mouths after discovering that they can’t order directly from their favorite wineries once they return home.

The number of commercial wineries in California also has tripled in the last 20 years, and boutique wineries--those typically on 20 acres or less that produce fewer than 5,000 cases a year--are not always successful in persuading distributors in other states to carry their labels.

Wholesalers in other states, however, are not expected to sit quietly and let lawmakers ease restrictions on direct-mail shipments. So regardless of the fate of Thompson’s proposed bill, it’s intended effect may never be realized.

HOT BILLS

* For the Birds

Bottom Line: Allows out-of-state licensed veterinarians to treat poultry in California without having to get a state license. Poultry producers Foster Farms, Zacky Farms and Butterball Turkey Co. lobbied hard for the legislation in order to be able to use the best avian vets available to prescribe the latest federally approved antibiotics for their birds.

Chances: The bill cleared the Legislature without a single no vote and was signed by Gov. Pete Wilson.

Next Step: The law takes effect Jan. 1.

Details: Assembly Bill 460 author George House (R-Hughson) can be reached at (916) 445-7906.

* Space Industry Boost

Bottom Line: Promotes continued development of space exploration research at Vandenberg Air Force Base by funding grants to private businesses and individuals who develop related technologies.

Chances: The bill passed the Legislature unanimously and was signed into law Oct. 12.

Next Step: Grant money available Jan. 1.

Details: Assembly Bill 1475 author Tom Bordonaro Jr. (R-Paso Robles) can be reached at (916) 445-7795.

--Capitol Alert News Service