Bill to allow grocery wine sales withdrawn

Consumers will have to keep buying their wine in liquor stores, after the sponsor of the bill to allow wine sales in grocery stores withdrew the legislation from consideration today.

Rep. David Shepard, D-Dickson, told a House subcommittee he could not muster the votes to pass the bill this year, but the bill is likely to come up again next year.

The Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association has led the fight to allow wine sales in their stores under the umbrella group Red White and Food, which has gained numerous supporters through online and social media networking.

The group, which has garnered much public support for the measure, says allowing grocery store sales would provide a convenience to consumers and boost wine sales in the state.

However, the support wasn’t deemed strong enough to ensure passage of the bill against its opposition — liquor wholesalers and wine retailers.