TITLE: Relating to authorizing out-of-state winery direct shipper's permit holders to conduct sampling or tasting events at certain locations.

SUMMARY: Relating to authorizing out-of-state winery direct shipper's permit holders to conduct sampling or tasting events at certain locations.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to authorizing out-of-state winery direct shipper's permit holders to conduct sampling or tasting events at certain locations. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 54.01, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 54.01. AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES. (a) The holder of an out-of-state winery direct shipper's permit may:(1) sell and deliver wine that is produced or bottled by the permittee to an ultimate consumer located in the State of Texas;(2) dispense free wine for consumption at an event under Section 54.13; and (3) collect an event or entrance fee.(b) A delivery of wine into this state by the holder of an out-of-state winery direct shipper's permit [Delivery] must be made by the holder of a carrier permit. SECTION 2. Chapter 54, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended by adding Section 54.13 to read as follows: Sec. 54.13. SAMPLING AT TEMPORARY LOCATION. (a) The holder of an out-of-state winery direct shipper's permit may conduct wine samplings or tastings at a civic or wine festival, farmers' market, celebration, or similar event. (b) The wine provided as a sample or at a tasting under Subsection (a) must be produced or bottled by the holder of the out-of-state winery direct shipper's permit. (c) Sample portions provided at a sampling or tasting event under Subsection (a) may not exceed one ounce. (d) A person who receives a sample may not remove the sample from the premises of the event under Subsection (a). (e) Wine may legally be transported by the holder of the out-of-state winery direct shipper's permit or the permit holder's agent or employee to the premises of the event for the purpose of providing a sample or a tasting under this section. (f) The cost of the wine provided for a sampling or tasting under this section is the responsibility of the holder of the out-of-state winery direct shipper's permit providing the sampling or tasting. (g) The commission may adopt rules to implement this section. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.