Measure would allow shipments of wine to consumers

BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts lawmakers are backing a measure that would allow winemakers to ship their products directly to the state’s consumers.

The House proposal was added as an amendment to the state’s $36.2 billion state budget for the July 1 fiscal year.

Former New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who operates a winery in Washington state, came to the Statehouse last year to urge passage of a similar bill. Bledsoe said the state’s ban on direct shipments made it nearly impossible to sell his wine in Massachusetts.

The state is one of about a dozen that bans or restricts direct wine shipments to consumers.

The measure would require wineries to purchase a shipping license and bar delivery to anyone under the age of 21.

It must also pass the Senate.