Grocers, liquor stores duel again over wine

The state’s grocers and liquor stores are continuing their battle over wine.

An effort to allow grocery stores to sell wine is expected to return to the Legislature this session. Grocers argue that it will give consumers more choices and convenience to buy wine when they purchase food, while liquor stores say it will hurt sales, resulting in lost jobs.

The Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association says competition is good for consumers, who often ask for wine while in grocery stores. And the group points out that wine can be sold in groceries in 33 other states. Tennessee grocers only are allowed to sell beer.

“Wine and food go together on the table, and we feel like it should go together on the shelves of our stores too,” says Jarron Springer, president of the grocers association.