GA Alcohol Regulations
Georgia opened the door to wine shipping with HB 879, creating a 1-tier direct shipping channel for wineries to reach over 10 million consumers. This guide covers what suppliers need to know about self-fulfilling orders from their own facilities — including Georgia's shipping permits, licensing, and compliance requirements.
Schedule a DemoGeorgia's alcohol regulatory system has undergone meaningful change in recent years. The Georgia Department of Revenue's Alcohol & Tobacco Division oversees the licensing, taxation, and enforcement of alcohol laws statewide. Georgia operates as an open (license) state, meaning private businesses handle the distribution and retail sale of all alcohol categories, unlike control states where the government runs liquor stores. Historically, Georgia had some of the more restrictive alcohol laws in the Southeast. Sunday sales were prohibited statewide until 2011, when a referendum allowed local jurisdictions to opt in. Wine shipping was not legalized until House Bill 879 passed, making Georgia one of the last states to open a direct shipping channel for wine. The standard 3-tier system (supplier → distributor → retailer) remains the foundation of Georgia's alcohol market, though wine suppliers can now bypass this through 1-tier direct shipping. Local option laws add another layer of complexity, as individual counties and municipalities can set their own rules on alcohol sales. While Georgia has historically been associated with dry counties, the reality is more nuanced. A small number of counties (roughly four to nine depending on how you define it) have partial restrictions, primarily on distilled spirits sales. The vast majority of Georgia counties are fully wet and permit the sale of all alcohol categories.
Georgia's wine shipping law, enacted through HB 879 and signed by Governor Kemp, allows licensed wineries to ship wine directly to Georgia consumers. Shippers must obtain a Wine Special Order Shipping License from the Georgia Department of Revenue for $50. Shipments are limited to 12 cases per individual per year. Wine labels must be registered with the state. All packages must be clearly labeled as containing alcohol, and an adult signature (21+) is required at delivery. Georgia does not permit suppliers to ship spirits or beer directly to consumers. There is no self-fulfillment shipping permit available for distillers or brewers at this time. Brands can still reach Georgia consumers with spirits and beer through licensed retailers — AccelPay's retailer network provides a compliant path.
Georgia's alcohol licensing is managed by the Department of Revenue's Alcohol & Tobacco Division, with local municipalities also requiring their own permits in many cases. The dual state-and-local licensing requirement means brands must secure approvals at both levels. For wine shipping, the state-level Wine Special Order Shipping License is the primary requirement for wineries seeking to self-fulfill orders to Georgia consumers.
Required for any winery, whether in-state or out-of-state, seeking to ship wine directly to Georgia consumers. The license costs $50 and requires proof of federal and home-state licensing. Holders must comply with the 12-case annual per-consumer limit, label registration, reporting requirements, and tax obligations.
Issued to in-state producers of beer, wine, or spirits. Authorizes manufacturing and wholesale distribution to licensed Georgia distributors. Separate endorsements may be required for taproom or tasting room operations. Does not authorize direct shipping to consumers for beer or spirits.
Permits the retail sale of packaged alcohol for off-premises consumption. Under HB 879, retail package licensees may also deliver beer, wine, and spirits to consumers within their jurisdiction. This is a retail license, not a supplier self-fulfillment permit.
Required for businesses that distribute alcohol to licensed retailers within Georgia. Wholesalers must comply with franchise laws and territory restrictions that govern distributor-supplier relationships.
Georgia's compliance requirements reflect both the state's traditional regulatory framework and the newer shipping rules established by HB 879. The Department of Revenue conducts enforcement actions and expects permit holders to maintain accurate records, file timely reports, and remit all applicable taxes. Because wine shipping is still relatively new in Georgia, the state has been particularly attentive to ensuring shippers follow the rules.
AccelPay helps wineries, craft distillers, and brewers navigate Georgia's regulatory landscape so you can focus on your brand. Ship direct where permits allow, and reach consumers through our licensed retailer network where they don't.
Get set up with compliant alcohol ecommerce in Georgia. Schedule a demo to see how AccelPay handles GA regulations for you.