Senate sponsor parks wine in supermarkets bill

 Associated Press - May 5, 2009 9:45 AM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Senate sponsor of a proposal to allow supermarkets in Tennessee to sell wine has formally withdrawn the bill from consideration for the year.

Sen. Bill Ketron says the proposal had drawn strong support among consumers, but also had strong opposition. The Murfreesboro Republican said he planned to bring the bill back up in next year's session.

Ketron says a special joint House and Senate committee will study ways to improve the legislation after this session ends.

Opponents have raised concerns about the impact on existing liquor store owners or expanding the availability of alcohol.

Under current state law, grocery stores can't sell wine and liquor stores can't sell beer.