Wine in grocery store debate returns to Capitol Hill

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee's Senate State and Local Government Committee is expected to vote on a bill next week to allow wine sales in grocery stores.

Prior attempts to change Tennessee's liquor laws to allow grocery store sales have failed over the years.

According to the bill, changing the liquor law would increase state revenue by $819,000.

The Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Association, which represents more than 500 liquor store owners across the state, opposes the measure, saying it puts nearly 3,000 jobs in jeopardy.

The group also said allowing grocery stores to sell wine would increase access to high proof alcohol for minors and alcoholics.

Jeremy Barnhart said liquor stores may lose some business but they would still get business from people buying liquor.

"I think the biggest problem is for the small wine shops so long as they stay catering to the high end groups everybody will have their place," he said.

Shopper Michael Shockley told Nashville's News 2, "I would love to be able to buy wine in the grocery store because when you are getting a meal for the night may want to have wine with that and won't have to stop at another location."

The Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association is working to build support of the bill through its Red, White and Food campaign.

Tuesday, the organization plans to have an independent grocery store owner address the state Senate committee.

The organization commissioned a study by the Stonebridge Research Group that showed that passing the liquor law change could bring up to 3,500 new jobs and $38 million in revenue to the Tennessee.

If the bill passes out of the Senate committee it will head to the full senate for debate.  A similar bill is working its way through the Tennessee House.

Previous Stories:

• March 3, 2011: Association hopeful wine will be sold in Tenn. grocery stores
• Feb. 11, 2011: Local winery owners want wine sold in grocery stores
• Feb. 2, 2011: Supporters say wine in grocery stores would create jobs
• Oct. 28, 2009: Metro prepared for wine in grocery stores
• Oct. 28, 2009: Wine in grocery store debate returns to Capitol Hill
• March 24, 2009: Wine sales uncorks spirited debate, again
• Feb. 19, 2009: Budget shortfall could help bring wine to supermarkets
• Jan. 12, 2009: Lawmakers to discuss grocery store wine sales
• Nov. 17, 2008: Push continues to allow grocers to sell wine
• March 25, 2008: Wine won't be available in grocery stores anytime soon