State lawmakers are discussing whether to allow the public to vote on having
wine sold in grocery stores.
Current law prevents grocery and convenience stores from selling any
alcoholic drinks stronger than beer, while package stores can only sell liquor.
Many liquor store owners are against the bill, saying if passed it would
negatively affect their business and give more money to big stores.
But Brent Barnett, general manager of McScrooge's Wine & Spirits, wrote
a letter to the state senators and said he'll accept the change if he can sell
groceries along with liquor and wine. Barnett would like to see the liquor
stores sell things like beer, glassware, apparel, and other items, excluding
fresh meats. Also, Barnet believes liquor stores should be able to stay open
every day of the year, and he said store owners should get to have multiple
locations.
If state lawmakers votes yes on the issue, 'Wine in Grocery Stores' will be put
on the 2014 general election ballot. If passed then, the measure would go into
effect in 2015.