HB 98 Summary

• Authorizes wine manufacturers and licensed wine sellers to obtain a direct wine shipper's permit from the Department of Revenue to sell and ship wine directly to Mississippi residents without going through the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.

• Limits direct wine shippers to selling maximum of 24 nine-liter cases annually per individual customer and prohibits shipment to dry counties; requires customers to be at least 21 years old and use wine for personal consumption only.

• Imposes a 34% tax on all direct wine shipments with monthly reporting requirements to the department; sets initial permit fee at $100 and requires annual renewal with current out-of-state license documentation.

• Requires all wine containers to be labeled "CONTAINS ALCOHOL: SIGNATURE OF PERSON AGE 21 YEARS OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY" and mandates three-year record retention for department audits.

• Establishes misdemeanor penalties of up to $1,000 fine and six months jail time for violations; allows department to suspend or revoke permits and impose civil penalties for permit holder violations.