Bill loosening rules on wine sales clears committee

A state legislative panel has endorsed a proposal that would allow Indiana residents to buy wine directly from a winery without first having to make an in-person visit.

The Senate Public Policy Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to send the bill to the full Senate for consideration.

The bill would eliminate the current requirement that residents having wine shipped to them first conduct a face-to-face transaction to ensure that the buyer is at least 21 years old. The proposal would require buyers to provide a copy of a government-issued ID to confirm they are of legal age.

Bill sponsor Sen. Phil Boots of Crawfordsville said the change will give Indiana wine consumers more choices and help wineries in the state to grow their business.