SENATE BILL NO. 1413 Offered January 19, 2007 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding sections numbered 3.1-14.01 and 4.1-207.1, relating to alcoholic beverage control; wine distribution licenses. ---------- Patrons-- Hanger and Hawkins ---------- Referred to Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding sections numbered 3.1-73.3:1 and 4.1-207.1 as follows:

§ 3.1-14.01. Power of Commissioner; nonstock corporation to assist distribution of farm winery wine.

A. The Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services may establish a nonprofit, nonstock corporation under Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 as a public instrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions to promote, develop, and sustain markets for Virginia farm wineries, as defined in § 4.1-100. Any such corporation shall provide wholesale wine distribution services for Class A farm wineries licensed in accordance with § 4.1-207.

B. The board of directors of any such corporation shall be composed of the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services and eight members appointed by the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Commissioner shall require any such corporation to report to it at least annually on its activities. 

§ 4.1-207.1.  Wholesale wine distribution licenses.

The Board may issue a wholesale wine distribution license to any nonprofit, nonstock corporation created in accordance with § 3.1-14.01, which shall authorize the licensee to provide wholesale wine distribution services to Class A farm winery licensees whose total production of wine for the immediately preceding calendar year is 3,000 cases or less. The licensee shall provide such distribution services in accordance with the terms of any agreement between the licensee and the holders of Class A farm winery licenses and shall comply the provisions of this title and Board regulations.