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U.S. judge gives N.J. legislators more time to make wine laws
A U.S. District Court judge has given New Jersey lawmakers a shot at salvaging profits for the state’s wine industry.
In December, a federal court of appeals ruled that it was unconstitutional to allow in-state wineries to sell directly to retailers and in tasting rooms while requiring wineries from other states to go through wholesalers.
Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney backed a bill that would allow state wineries to keep their tasting rooms open and ship their products directly to consumers’ homes. The bill was not passed by the time lawmakers departed for their summer recess. (Bittner, Gloucester County Times)