AUGUSTA (AP) – Vintners say they could make more money if the state allows wine to be shipped directly to Mainers’ homes, but state police and substance-abuse counselors are opposing a bill to ease the state’s present restrictions.

“The current Maine statute has had an adverse impact on my purchasing some of the fine wines my wife and I enjoy,” said Robert Paradis of Augusta, who wore a “Free the Grapes” t-shirt during a hearing Monday before the Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee.

A bill held over from last session would change Maine’s current law, which makes it illegal to ship wine through the mail to Maine consumers.

Paradis joined other wine lovers and Maine vineyard owners in support of a bill that would allow licensed wineries to ship no more than 24 cases of wine a year to Mainers 21 or older. Consumers would have to sign for the wine to ensure they’re of legal age.

Stephanie Clapp of the Cellar Door Winery in Lincolnville said she could make $45,000 a year more if the new law were implemented. Steve Linne of Blacksmiths Winery in South Casco said his business could grow by 30 percent.

Maine State Police, the Maine Association of Substance Abuse Programs and alcohol distributors said the bill’s a bad idea.

State police Lt. Patrick Fleming said the bill would make it easier for underage consumers to buy alcohol and would increase the workload of police.

Fleming said Mainers who want specialty wines can ask a retailer to get it for them. Mainers traveling out of state – to California’s wine country, for example – can get permission from the Department of Public Safety’s Liquor Licensing Unit to have wine shipped to their homes.

Assistant House Democratic Leader Robert Duplessie, D-Westbrook, said his bill is pro-consumer.

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