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Bill

HB 1476

TO AMEND THE DIRECT SHIPMENT OF VINOUS LIQUOR ACT; AND TO ESTABLISH A WINE DIRECT SHIPPER LICENSE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bart Hester and 1 co-sponsor

Arkansas establishes a Wine Direct Shipper License allowing wine producers to ship directly to consumers, modernizing the state's alcohol distribution framework.

Notification that HB1476 is now Act 675
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1476

Legislative bill overview

HB 1476 amends Arkansas's direct shipment laws for wine by establishing a new Wine Direct Shipper License category. The bill allows wine producers to ship products directly to consumers in Arkansas under specified conditions, streamlining the existing regulatory framework for out-of-state and in-state wineries.

Why is this important

Direct-to-consumer wine shipping affects both consumers (access to specialty wines) and the wine industry (revenue streams and market competition). This legislation impacts Arkansas's wine economy, interstate commerce compliance, and how the state regulates alcohol distribution—balancing protections with market modernization.

Potential points of contention

  • Three-tier system tension: Traditional alcohol distribution (producer → wholesaler → retailer) may view direct shipping as circumventing established channels and reducing middleman revenue
  • Tax collection concerns: Direct shipment requires robust tracking to ensure proper state tax revenue collection on out-of-state wine sales
  • Interstate commerce compliance: The bill must navigate federal regulations (specifically the 21st Amendment) governing state alcohol control without exposing Arkansas to legal challenges

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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