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Saturday, May 18, 2013 | 12:19 p.m.

Updated: 7:46 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, 2008 | Posted: 4:44 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, 2008

Wine Bill Could Mean More Red Tape To Get Favorites

ALTOONA, Pa. —

Wine lovers are speaking out about a bill that's currently in the state House. If the bill passes, they may be paying more to order their favorite bottles. However, not everyone is thinking it's a bad idea.

Whether its red, white or blush, if you happen to order that wine in the mail or over the Internet, it could soon be going to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board before you can even take a sip.

A pending bill would require wineries to ship what consumers buy to the PLCB, then the board would send the wine to the consumer for a fee. Some Blair County wine-lovers said they were less than thrilled about the idea.

"They're looking for the buck. The consumer is going to lose and the government is always going to come out ahead," said Robert Palomi.

Supporters said the bill would help the state with tax revenue. It would also be harder for minors to buy wine. However, those aren't the only perks.

Local winemakers, including the Oak Spring Winery in Blair County, said they might see more people shopping on their shelves instead of ordering their favorite bottles online or out of town.

"Harrisburg and the PLCB know there is a lot of wine coming into the state illegally, so I think what they're trying to do is crack down. And as an in-state winery, we really see no problem with that," said Scott Schraff, general manager of the Oak Spring Winery.

There have been hearings on the bill this summer, but it has not yet been signed into law. If it does pass, Pennsylvania would be among the minority. There are 35 other states that allow direct wine shipments straight to the consumer.

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