House Bill 1135 would allow for licensed businesses to deliver beer, light wine, and light spirits to customers within a 30-mile radius. The bill passed both the Mississippi House and Senate, but it's unclear if the Governor will sign the bill into law. Republican Senator Josh Harkins of Rankin County explains the bill.
"You can pick what you want, they'll deliver it to you. They can't deliver to a dry county, they have to follow local ordinances and laws. But you have to be 21 to sign for it, they have to have ID scanning software so they make sure underage kids aren't purchasing it and receiving it," says Harkins.
The bill could benefit restaurants and local businesses like Queens Reward Meadery in Tupelo by allowing them to deliver alcohol directly to local customers. Owner Jeri Carter says her business relies on having people come in to taste and purchase mead, an alcoholic honey wine.
"People may be able to order their favorite dinner, but they can't order their favorite alcoholic beverage to go with it. So this will give them that opportunity to do [that]," says Carter. "I think it also is going to do a lot to eliminate a person's temptation to consume alcohol out, like even in our own tasting room, and then having to worry about driving home."
Participating businesses will be subject to audits by the state and local law enforcement.
