DALLAS (January 28, 2010)--A 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling allows Texas to continue regulating alcohol sales under its existing system, which the California-based Specialty Wine Retailers Association had challenged.

Spokesman Tom Wark says the recent ruling limits the ability of Texas consumers to access the wines they want, but which they cannot find in what he calls "the state's wholesaler-controlled marketplace."

The wholesalers’ attorney Dee Kelly, representing Glazers Wholesale Drug Co. and Republic Beverage Co., said the appeals court ruling is good for Texas and consumers.

Consumers can buy wine directly from wineries, but retailers must obtain a permit from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.