Bill lifts winery ban in Nevada counties

By Associated Press

CARSON CITY — The Nevada Senate has passed a compromise bill that repeals the state’s partial ban on wineries.

The Senate voted unanimously on Saturday to approve AB4. It already passed the Assembly.

The bill would repeal a state law prohibiting wineries in Clark and Washoe counties from importing wine from other states or serving alcoholic beverages on their premises.

A winery in Pahrump initially opposed the bill, saying that changing the law too quickly could harm the state’s four existing wineries just as they’re gaining strength.

The new version of the bill aims to ensure a significant portion of wine at newcomer wineries is made from Nevada-grown fruit. If a wine isn’t made of at least 25 percent Nevada fruit, wineries are limited to serving 1,000 cases of it.