Restrictions loosened on Indiana winery shipments to customers

Indiana residents will have an easier time having wine shipped to their homes under a new law approved by Gov. Mike Pence.

Current law requires a consumer to first visit a winery for a face-to-face transaction, which ensures that the buyer is at least 21 years old, before wine can be shipped to the consumer.

Pence signed a bill Monday that will eliminate that requirement, but buyers still will have to provide a copy of a government-issued ID to confirm they're of legal age.

Supporters of the change say it will boost Indiana wineries and give wine consumers more choices. Sponsors say 41 other states currently have similar rules on wine shipments.

State lawmakers in April approved the bill, which takes effect in July.