Petition For Wine Sales At Oklahoma Grocery Stores Raises Concerns

Oklahomans for Modern Laws is a grass roots movement who says shoppers should have the convenience of picking up vino and veal in the same place, and claims the state's constitution is antiquated.

Tuesday, April 3rd 2012, 11:15 pm

By: News 9


There is a new push to get wine in Oklahoma grocery stores.

Oklahomans for Modern Laws is a grass roots movement who says shoppers should have the convenience of picking up vino and veal in the same place, and claims the state's constitution is antiquated.

4/3/2012 Related Story: Petition Seeks Wine Sales In Oklahoma Grocery Stores

The grassroots group said off-premise sales laws haven't significantly changed since 1959.

"I am surprised we hadn't done it already to be honest with you. Absolutely [I would buy it], it would save me a trip," one shopper said.

It's a controversial proposal that has some 630 liquor store owners statewide banning together, saying it would be bad for business. But proponents believe it would benefit the tax base.

But Sam Eid, owner of Sam Warehouse disagrees.

"How can the state control a truckload of wine that comes from California when no taxes are paid on it and comes to major grocery store. They wouldn't know," he said.

In addition to economic concerns, there are moral and practical implications that have some Oklahomans concerned.

"I would prefer for it to not being in the stores because of the young people they would have better access to it as opposed to going to a liquor store," Anita Williams said.

Yet neighboring states and restaurants regulate sales well. After years of debate, the group wants voters to decide.

Oklahomans for Modern Laws has 90 days to get the signatures of some 155,000 registered Oklahoma voters to get measure on the November ballot.

Petitions authors are proposing Grocers must have 25,000 square feet to sell wine, and counties with less than 50,000 people wouldn't have it in stores.

If approved by voters, the state's 15 largest counties could hold an election to determine if wine sales would be allowed in grocery stores.

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