(AP) — Small wineries in Indiana are seeking the chance to self-distribute products as the number of wine wholesalers in the state has plummeted from hundreds to several dozen.
Current rules say alcohol producers can’t sell products directly to retailers and restaurants but must instead use a wholesaler.
The Indianapolis Business Journal reports that small wineries are working to lobby lawmakers for access to a micro-wholesaler permit that would allow them to distribute up to 12,000 gallons of wine annually.
The permit has been available for about 12 years, but state law doesn’t allow permit holders to also own a winery.
Republican Rep. Ed Clere of New Albany has introduced legislation that would allow for businesses to own both a wholesale permit and a winery permit. He says the move will help wineries grow.
