Bill description: HB 343 creates a "bonded wine warehouse" license and imposes a license fee and regulations on license holders.

Rating: -3

Does it increase barriers to entry into the market? Examples include occupational licensure, the minimum wage, and restrictions on home businesses. Conversely, does it remove barriers to entry into the market?

HB 343 creates a "bonded wine warehouse" license, making it illegal to "store and handle wine as a bonded wine warehouse" without such a license.

(-1)

HB 343 creates a new barrier to anyone seeking to do business as a bonded wine warehouse. It also prohibits many people from being able to obtain the license, including those who have "been convicted of a violation of the laws of this state or of the United States governing the sale of alcoholic beverages, wine, or beer, within three (3) years from the date of making such application." Also excluded are those who have "been convicted of a felony or been granted a withheld judgment following an adjudication of guilt of a felony within five (5) years from the date of making such application." There is no grandfather clause to protect anyone who is currently engaged in this business from being locked out of it for lack of the newly required license.

(-1)

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase any taxes, fees, or other assessments? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce any taxes, fees, or other assessments?

HB 343 imposes "an annual license fee of three hundred dollars ($300) for each separate warehouse used for the sole purpose of the storage and handling of wine within the state of Idaho."

(-1)