AP survey: Tenn. lawmakers undecided on wine sales

  An Associated Press survey has found most Tennessee lawmakers remain undecided about a proposal to allow wine to be sold in supermarkets, a strong indication that the measure is unlikely to be voted on this year.

Only 40 percent of the General Assembly's 132 members say they have made up their minds on the issue. And of those who have, a narrow majority say they oppose changing the law that now restricts wine sales to liquor stores.

Rep. Harry Tindell, a Knoxville Democrat, is one of the many undecided lawmakers on the issue. He said he worries that making the change to allow wine in supermarkets would require an overhaul of the liquor distribution system in Tennessee.

"It changes the status quo of the marketplace," he said. And for that reason, he said, the proposal may not be poised for a vote this session.

"Just like a fine wine, I'm not sure we don't have to wait before the supermarket issue is ready for serving," Tindell said.

But House Republican Caucus chairman Glen Casada said he considers it a simple issue.

"It's good for the economy, it's the free market," said Casada, of Franklin. "And it's just so dadgum convenient."