Wine shipping bill becomes law after long-running effort

The bill had never made it through both houses, due  in part to lobbying efforts  from some liquor store owners and wholesaler drivers.  Delaware is  one of a handful of states that does not allow wine shipping. This time around, the bill passed with near-unanimous votes.

State Rep. Michael Smith, R-Newark/Pike Creek, who introduced the bill in multiple legislative sessions, was the lead sponsor.

“This bill is the result of a years-long commitment to offering direct shipment to Delawareans, who have been more than patient while they waited for the legislature to come through for them,” said Smith.  “It’s the result of a collaborative effort between all stakeholders. And, at the end of the day, Delaware is finally ‘delivering’ – literally and figuratively – on a consumer-friendly initiative that will benefit many.”

The bill includes sets annual limits per household, capping total shipments to Delaware per licensee, and requiring age-verification training and signatures from someone at least 21 years of age upon delivery.

The law takes effect a year after the governor’s signature and includes a 5‑year sunset provision, with a mandated study on retail impact due by June 1, 2028.

“Having the bill signing ceremony at Harvest Ridge Winery – located in my representative district – could not have been more fitting,” said House Minority Whip Jeffrey Spiegelman, co-Prime Sponsor of HB 187. “Until today, Harvest Ridge, on the border between Maryland and Delaware, could ship to homes in Maryland but could not send their wine to someone living in nearby Wilmington, Newark, or Middletown. This is a good day for our wineries.”

“When I served in the General Assembly, I worked to enact direct shipment legislation for multiple years in a row,” said former north Wilmington  Rep. Deborah Hudson, a longtime supporter  of the bill while she served in the legislature between 1994 and 2018. “So, I’m more than familiar with the political challenges concerning the legislation. Today, we put all that aside and celebrate the enactment of a bill that many Delawareans support and can enjoy the benefits of.”

It remains to be seen  on how many out-of-state  wineries will pay the fee and go through the steps needed for a license.

Meanwhile liquor stores have seen a decline in sales after the Covid-19 pandemic. Delaware ranks near the top among states in the number of adult beverage stores  per  10,000 residents, but limits the number of licenses by an owner to two.

Delaware also allows third-party  deliveries of adult beverages from restaurants and bars, but does not allow liquor store deliveries.