Bill
A 1328
Creates a new supermarket wine license and regulatory framework to allow wine sales in groceries, affecting operators, existing liquor retailers, regulators, and consumers.
Overview
- Aimed at creating a new license category to authorize supermarkets to sell wine.
- Introduced on January 9, 2025 and currently listed as Print Number 1328A, indicating a revised version.
- Referred to the Committee on Economic Development; amendments were subsequently proposed and reprinted to the same committee.
- Related companion bills exist in both houses (A 6989 in the prior session; S 1279 in the Senate).
What the bill would do (as described by the title and status)
- Establishes a dedicated license allowing supermarkets to sell wine. The bill would create the regulatory framework for granting, renewing, and enforcing this license.
- The exact scope, fee structure, eligibility criteria, and operating rules are not provided in the summary materials available here. The full text would specify:
- Who can apply (retailers, types of supermarket operators, corporate ownership considerations, etc.).
- Licensing fees, application processes, and renewal timelines.
- Where wine may be sold within a supermarket and any restrictions (e.g., separation from other alcohol sections, age verification requirements).
- Hours and days of sale, promotions, and other operational rules.
- Compliance obligations, inspections, penalties for violations, and license suspension or revocation triggers.
- Any transitional provisions if existing liquor licenses or wholesaler relationships are affected.
- The bill may also designate a state or local agency responsible for licensing and enforcement, and could include reporting or sunset provisions.
Who would be affected
- Supermarket operators seeking to obtain a wine sales license.
- Existing liquor-licensed retailers (e.g., standalone wine/liquor stores) who may be affected by new competition and/or regulatory alignment.
- Consumers, who would gain increased access to wine purchases in supermarkets if the license is approved and implemented.
- State or local regulatory agencies responsible for alcohol licensing and enforcement.
- Potential impact on tax revenue and licensing compliance processes.
Timeline and procedural notes
- 2025-01-09: Referred to Economic Development.
- 2025-05-27: Amendments and reprint as Print Number 1328A; amendments also listed on that date.
- Companion/Sponsored
- Primary sponsor: Pamela J. Hunter (with many cosponsors)
- Other sponsors: John T. McDonald III (cosponsor), Brian Cunningham (cosponsor), and several others
- Related bills: A 6989 (prior session); S 1279 (companion in Senate)
Next steps
- Read the exact A 1328A text to confirm the specific provisions, licensing parameters, fees, and enforcement details.
- Review any fiscal impact statements and regulatory agency rules that accompany the bill.
- Compare with the Senate companion (S 1279) and prior-session A 6989 to assess convergences or differences.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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