GOOD NEWS FROM NORTH DAKOTA

[Jerry D Mead]

North Dakota, which started out trying to pass a felony shipping bill, instead ended up becoming an "open state," according to Wine Business Insider.

Originally passed as felony bill, SB 2216 was amended to allow direct shipping of wine with no volume limits and no winery permit requirement. (Spirits are limited to 2.38 gallons or less and beer to 288 fluid ounces per month.)

Every package must be labeled "Signature of a person age 21 or older required for delivery."

A violation of that reg would bring a "cease and desist" order for a first time offender. A second violation would be a Class A misdemeanor; a third violation a Class C felony. For wineries, these penalties only cover labeling provisions.

The law goes into effect August 1, 1999.

Nevada legislators, who are considering similar personal importation legislation, would do well to pattern their legislation after the North Dakota model.

JDM