Wine transport bill raises Revenue Dept. concerns

Associated Press - March 29, 2009 3:15 AM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - While a proposal to loosen restrictions on bringing wine into the state is popular with vinophiles, Tennessee tax collectors are less enthusiastic.

The state Senate is scheduled to vote Monday an a bill that would let Tennesseans buy up to five cases at out-of-state wineries and carry them back into Tennessee. The change would mark the first time in 70 years that Tennesseans are allowed to legally transport alcohol into the state.

State Revenue Commissioner Reagan Farr said it will be difficult for the state to make sure the wine buyers have paid the state tax that is due if the bill becomes law, short of checking receipts at the state line.

Farr says another bill seeking to allow the direct shipment of wine would impose more rigorous taxation standards.

Read SB0944 and SB0166 at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov