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Committee advances compromise to allow limited out‑of‑state direct wine shipments; Arkansas producers urge protections
Summary
A bill to create a direct‑shipper license and allow limited out‑of‑state wine shipments to Arkansas 'wet' areas advanced after sponsors and industry representatives described fee and brand‑registration protections. In‑state producers urged modifications to prevent harm to local retailers and grape growers.
Sen. Bart Hester, R–District 33, and Rep. Brett McKenzie described a bipartisan compromise that would create a direct‑shipper license and allow limited shipments of out‑of‑state wines into Arkansas ‘‘wet’’ territories. Sponsors said the measure replaces an older license structure with a new direct‑shipper permit while preserving access and protections for in‑state producers.
Hester said the proposal is narrowly targeted: it would allow limited shipments (he described “one case of wine per quarter” per recipient) and is intended to serve small, niche wineries rather than mass‑market brands. He said the change was negotiated with…
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