Indiana Senate backs bill loosening rules on wine sales

Indiana residents will have an easier time having wine shipped to their homes under a bill approved by state lawmakers.

The state Senate voted Tuesday to give final legislative approval to eliminating the current requirement that residents having wine shipped to them first conduct a face-to-face transaction at the winery to ensure that the buyer is at least 21 years old. The proposal requires buyers to provide a copy of a government-issued ID to confirm they are of legal age.

Supporters of the change say it will boost Indiana wineries and give wine consumers more choices. Sponsors say 41 other states have similar rules on wine shipments.

The House approved the bill last week. Gov. Mike Pence can now sign the bill into law, let it pass into law unsigned or veto it.