Sec. 1. (a) The commission may issue a wine wholesaler's permit to sell wine, or wine and brandy, at wholesale to a person who:
(1) notwithstanding IC 7.1-5-9-4, holds a beer wholesaler's permit;
(2) holds a liquor wholesaler's permit; or
(3) does not hold an alcoholic beverage wholesaler's permit, but meets the qualifications to hold either a beer or a liquor wholesaler's permit.
(b) The holder of a wine wholesaler's permit under subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2):
(1) is considered the same as a person who holds a wine wholesaler's permit under subsection (a)(3) for purposes of conducting activities and operations under the wine wholesaler's permit; and
(2) may operate the beer or liquor wholesale business independently of the wine wholesale business.