Liquor stores are calling it a victory and supermarkets say the fight is far from over.
A bill that would allow wine in grocery stores appears to be dead for now in the state legislature. A House committee rejected the bill by just one vote. The bill would have cities and counties to put the issue before voters.
The decision shocked both sides, including liquor store owners. Thad Cox, owner of Ashe's Wine and Spirits, attended the committee meeting. He said none of the liquor store owners could believe it.
Even though the liquor stores are celebrating, there is a possibility the bill could come back for another vote. The committee chair and deciding vote, Rep. Matthew Hill, R-Jonesborough, could ask the committee to reconsider since he voted for the winning side.
But for now, even House Speaker Beth Harwell, said it appears to be finished for the year.
Toddy's Liquor and Wine store owner, John Cook, said he's weary from the six-year fight. He's not breathing a sigh of relief just yet.
"Naturally I'm happy that it failed the House committee but I'm wondering what's down the road," said Cook.
Cook doesn't think the fight is over. Food City's president and CEO, Steve Smith, confirms the grocery store lobby isn't giving up.
"I can assure you that as a grocery industry we'll be back next year. We listen to our consumers and we try and do what they want us to do," said Smith.
Polls show Tennesseans support allowing wine in grocery stores two to one.
Smith said they are disappointed in the outcome.
"It's unfortunate that the Tennessee legislature didn't see fit. It was a very close vote. We've made more progress than we ever have before and we're still positive that we will make that happen some day," Smith said.
Some lawmakers have tried for decades for this bill to pass. The most recent push started in 2007.