Bill would allow out-of-state wineries to supply Iowa businesses

Wineries licensed in another state would be eligible for an Iowa wholesale wine permit without having an Iowa residence or winery. Sales under the wholesale permit would go only to Iowa wholesale wine permit holders or licensed alcohol retailers. They could sell only wine they fermented themselves at their licensed out-of-state premises, with proper federal registration. Shipping directly to individual buyers would require a separate direct shipper permit. Permit holders would accept Iowa enforcement authority and allow requested audits. Violations could bring fines, permit suspension, or permit loss. The permit fee would be $100 each year.

Wine suppliers would pay for a state compliance certificate, which documents permission to supply wine, and report customer and worker information. These rules would cover suppliers bringing wine into Iowa for resale by wholesale wine permit holders, including Iowa wineries and bottlers with those permits. Applicants would report their Iowa wholesale wine customers and keep the list current. Employees or agents working in Iowa for certificate holders would register their names and addresses. Required filings would go to the Iowa Department of Revenue electronically or another way approved by its director. Certificates would expire one year from issuance. Applications and renewals would each carry the $200 fee.

Liquor manufacturers, distillers, and importers would need a state compliance certificate for liquor brought into Iowa for resale by the state. Other people involved in distributing the liquor brand would not need this certificate. The requirement need not apply to suppliers selling no more than 11 gallons, or the equivalent number of cases, through special orders in a fiscal year. Certificates would expire one year from issuance. Each application or renewal would carry a $200 fee.

Beer suppliers would be allowed to hold both a state compliance certificate and an Iowa wholesale beer permit. These provisions would cover businesses supplying beer for resale by Iowa wholesale beer permit holders. Suppliers would file the customer list and distribution areas electronically or another way approved by the Iowa Department of Revenue. Certificate holders would keep that information current. Suppliers would file the customer list and distribution areas when applying for a compliance certificate.