HB 1280 Summary

• Establishes a direct shipper's permit allowing wine and distilled spirits manufacturers and importers to sell and ship products directly to Mississippi residents without using the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, subject to obtaining a $100 annual permit.

• Limits direct shippers to selling maximum 24 nine-liter cases of wine and 8 nine-liter cases of distilled spirits annually per individual customer, prohibits sales of beer or light wine, and restricts shipments to counties that have voted to legalize alcohol sales.

• Allows package retailers to sell wine and distilled spirits through internet sales and ship directly to state residents in sealed packages, with same restrictions on product types and dry counties as direct shippers.

• Imposes 15.5% sales tax on direct shipper transactions, with 3% portion going to Mental Health Programs Fund, and requires monthly reporting and invoice submission to the Department of Revenue.

• Requires purchasers to be at least 21 years old with signature required for delivery, permits only personal use (no resale), and establishes misdemeanor penalties up to $1,000 fine and 6 months jail time for violations.