Great news!

If that is correct, the only thing standing in the way of modernization will be the religious right and MADD groups. I'll guess we will see how much power they still have in this state.

The opposition you mention has absolutely zero real power in this. The opposition to almost all liquor law changes come from the specially interests within the liquor distributor, store, and gas station lobbies. None of this is about religion or conservatism, it's all about special interest groups not wanting to lose a piece of the pie.

Exactly. Heaven forbid someone go to a liquor store at 10pm, buy a bottle of wine, and go home and drink a glass! THE HORROR!

Meanwhile people are stumbling out of bars at 2am and driving home drunk.

Unless you're advocating for 24 hour bars and liquor stores, there's always gonna be a cutoff time. If folks can't plan for 9pm then... well. It's a pretty small deal when compared with refrigerated beer, growlers, and such.

. . . article states that RLAO supports wine sales in "selected grocery stores". . .any info on what the proposed criteria are for a "selected grocery store"??

. . . article states that RLAO supports wine sales in "selected grocery stores". . .any info on what the proposed criteria are for a "selected grocery store"??

Based on previous proposals I'd guess a minimum sq footage.

I didn't think the RLAO has ever been against refrigeration. Some smaller liquor stores are because they don't want to have to purchase the equipment. Refrigeration would have passed this last session had there not have been that amendment to go single strength.

They weren't initially but when 383 changed to allow single point they became against the bill so technically they weren't against refrigeration but they were against the bill, until they where able to add in the things they needed to make things "fair" again.


One thing is from the article it appears that grocery stores and convenience stores will only be able to sell up to 6% ABV, meaning you will be able to get a real Budweiser or Samuel Adams, but you will still need to go to the liquor store for a COOP F5. Am I reading this correctly?

If so, I think this is an acceptable compromise.

I can't seem to find where in the article it mentions a 6% cap, can somebody point me towards that or the article that references it?

Unless you're advocating for 24 hour bars and liquor stores, there's always gonna be a cutoff time. If folks can't plan for 9pm then... well. It's a pretty small deal when compared with refrigerated beer, growlers, and such.

I agree with this. For everything else we will be gaining, keeping the 9PM closing time in place is a small deal.

Question is, will grocery stores be able to sell beer and wine all the way to 2AM like they can now with 3.2 beer?

The opposition you mention has absolutely zero real power in this. The opposition to almost all liquor law changes come from the specially interests within the liquor distributor, store, and gas station lobbies. None of this is about religion or conservatism, it's all about special interest groups not wanting to lose a piece of the pie.

At the ballot box, the primary reason people will vote "no" will be religious reasons or fear of more drunk drivers on the road. The average Oklahoman cares very little about protecting the interest of the liquor stores. We need to make sure if this gets to the ballot, it passes.

After the failure of Arkansas to end prohibition statewide last fall I believe its shortsighted to assume that modernization will pass with flying colors. I believe that it likely will, especially since the Oklahoma counties where liquor by the drink is still banned are sparsely populated, rural counties that don't pull a lot of weight, but it definitely isn't a sure thing. I personally know two people who say they oppose changes because in their words, "this state already has enough DUIs." If this gets on the ballot, there will need to be a campaign to educate the public on what they are actually voting for to maybe offset what they are hearing from their pastors or from MADD PSAs.

I can't seem to find where in the article it mentions a 6% cap, can somebody point me towards that or the article that references it?
In the comments section of the article on TW, there is a gentleman Named Bryan Kerr who mentions it.


Bryan Kerr posted at 7:02 pm on Tue, Sep 15, 2015.
RLAOPosts: 1
Neither the headline nor the story properly represents what the RLAO has proposed.
Our proposal is 100% in line with what the public has said they want; more convenience without sacrificing public safety. We do support allowing all current “3.2” outlets, including grocery and convenience stores, to sell full strength beer up to 6% ABV. This would include the brands they already carry plus open up access to dozens, perhaps hundreds, of others.
The public has shown great concern for allowing too many outlets to sell stronger malt beverages and wine. Unfortunately, this means that we cannot support allowing QuikTrip or any other convenience store to begin stocking products such as Four Loko, MD 20/20 and Colt 45. This not only amplifies the negative societal issues associated with alcohol but also seriously decreases the chance that this bill would pass at all.
As our full release noted, the two major contributing factors to alcohol-related crime are density of outlets and hours of operation. We think we’ve found a good balance that best serves the Oklahoma consumer by modernizing our laws but keeping safeguards in place to minimize the undesirable consequences.
You can read the entire release at http://RLAO.org/modernization.pdf.

Who is "the public" that Mr. Kerr so strongly defends?

The folks who participated in the polling that they had done in cooperation with Senator Bice?

In the comments section of the article on TW, there is a gentleman Named Bryan Kerr who mentions it.

We're missing part of the story here then. At the RLAO link:
"2. As a matter of convenience, wine should be available for purchase in a limited number of
grocery stores."

However in his comment at the TW he states "up to 6%" and states that convenience stores shouldn't be able to sell high point stuff like four loko, etc. Sounds like they'll have to have a license change or addition to differentiate between convenience stores and grocers, OR a distinction that has a minimum square footage of grocer to be able to sell > 6% and thus wine.

For those that don't know, Bryan Kerr is the president of RLAO and the owner of Moore Liquor.

What the Ale: Could Oklahoma change the rest of the country's 3.2 beer laws? - Tulsa World: What The Ale (http://www.tulsaworld.com/blogs/scene/whattheale/what-the-ale-could-oklahoma-change-the-rest-of-the/article_23ed3f43-fd3d-5f8f-815d-90d53c6d3868.html)

I don't get how Oklahoma produces the most 3.2 beer, since Colorado and Minnesota have more people.

On a side note... I heard today from a strong source that the deal is done for New Belgium to hit Oklahoma in January. If true, that puts an interesting spin on their previous comments.

What the Ale: Could Oklahoma change the rest of the country's 3.2 beer laws? - Tulsa World: What The Ale (http://www.tulsaworld.com/years/scene/whattheale/what-the-ale-could-oklahoma-change-the-rest-of-the/article_23ed3f43-fd3d-5f8f-815d-90d53c6d3868.html)

I don't get how Oklahoma produces the most 3.2 beer, since Colorado and Minnesota have more people.
OK doesn't produce more, they consume more...or so they say. My theory is two-fold, those other states have a lot better craft beer culture (Colorado's governor built a brewpub before becoming governor) and just more craft breweries per capita, not to mention despite being a "3.2 state" their laws are less restricted in other areas. Second, we have more bud and coors drinking rednecks. :)


On a side note... I heard today from a strong source that the deal is done for New Belgium to hit Oklahoma in January. If true, that puts an interesting spin on their previous comments.

I shared a story yesterday about another state NB was expanding to and hit the crowd with my own question of pessimism. In return several sources said that NB was in town last week with positive vibes and many of those in the know think March-ish, which is quite a bit sooner than I'd have guessed!

There are those who will still swear by Bud and Coors as their beer of choice. I don't agree with their choice, but they're free to make it. Taste is personal (even if bad).

OK doesn't produce more, they consume more...or so they say. My theory is two-fold, those other states have a lot better craft beer culture (Colorado's governor built a brewpub before becoming governor) and just more craft breweries per capita, not to mention despite being a "3.2 state" their laws are less restricted in other areas. Second, we have more bud and coors drinking rednecks. :)

The primary reason is that Oklahoma is the only state where Big Beer doesn't offer their full-strength product to bars and liquor stores. In Kansas or Colorado for instance, you can buy a six-pack of Bud at a grocery store and its 3.2 but if you go to a liquor store or a bar you get the real thing. In Oklahoma, if you are drinking Bud, Miller, or Coors you are stuck with 3.2 ABW.

There are those who will still swear by Bud and Coors as their beer of choice. I don't agree with their choice, but they're free to make it. Taste is personal (even if bad).

People haven't developed a taste for beer, if 3.2% grocery store beer is all they have been exposed. Local craft beer is usually noticeably more expensive, though. Hopefully, if regulations can be changed in Oklahoma, local brewed beer won't have to cost so much.

The primary reason is that Oklahoma is the only state where Big Beer doesn't offer their full-strength product to bars and liquor stores. In Kansas or Colorado for instance, you can buy a six-pack of Bud at a grocery store and its 3.2 but if you go to a liquor store or a bar you get the real thing. In Oklahoma, if you are drinking Bud, Miller, or Coors you are stuck with 3.2 ABW.

That's not entirely true. ABI started bringing in some of their high abv products (Lime a Rita, platinum, etc) nearly two years ago. No laws changed it was just a business decision change. For whatever reason they haven't brought in full strength bud but my guess is the reasoning for that is they just make more money being able to self distribute the 3.2 stuff without having to push that through all four tiers like the >3.2 stuff.

People haven't developed a taste for beer, if 3.2% grocery store beer is all they have been exposed. Local craft beer is usually noticeably more expensive, though. Hopefully, if regulations can be changed in Oklahoma, local brewed beer won't have to cost so much.

A law change has nothing to do with the cost of local craft, our price points on local craft is all about supply and demand. Local craft charges what the market will bare and what they need to charge to stay in business and grow. Now brewer's income will increase once they are able to have actual functioning tap rooms but don't expect an income increase to lower prices. That will go into more equipment, more employees, more offerings, special releases, etc., etc.

Burgers from places like Garage and S&B are more expensive than the ones from McDonald's and Wendy's too. I'm cool with it.

I don't think its a craft vs. macro thing. People who drink Bud generally don't seek out craft beer and vice versa.

^^^^^^^^
Most people who regularly eat McDonald's don't also regularly eat S&B/Garage and vice versa. See how that works?

Yup, even in states with strong craft brew cultures, and great beer laws, Coors and Bud still dominate sales. Plus you have the constant absorption of local breweries (Heineken just bought out Lagunitas for example), so even if you think you're buying local craft beer, there's a good chance you're buying from one of the giants (Goose Island, Leinenkugel, Shock Top, Blue Moon, Pyramid, Red Hook, etc).

Yup, even in states with strong craft brew cultures, and great beer laws, Coors and Bud still dominate sales. Plus you have the constant absorption of local breweries (Heineken just bought out Lagunitas for example), so even if you think you're buying local craft beer, there's a good chance you're buying from one of the giants (Goose Island, Leinenkugel, Shock Top, Blue Moon, Pyramid, Red Hook, etc).

From my understanding, they didnt buy them out. They bought 50% and will use their distribution abilities while Lagunitas retains control of operations.

The big dogs still dominate sales, but their domination has slipped a bit due to growing craft brew sales. Which is why you've seen the big dogs buy out craft brewers. In Bev is making a push to buy Miller, which would have them controlling well over 50% of the worlds beer, which is a scary thought.

Yup, even in states with strong craft brew cultures, and great beer laws, Coors and Bud still dominate sales. Plus you have the constant absorption of local breweries (Heineken just bought out Lagunitas for example), so even if you think you're buying local craft beer, there's a good chance you're buying from one of the giants (Goose Island, Leinenkugel, Shock Top, Blue Moon, Pyramid, Red Hook, etc).

Imo a true craft beer enthusiast will know who owns the brewery of their choice. Acquisitions like Lagunitas were public months before it happened. Sure there'll be times when you run across a brewery you've never heard of but just a little research will point you in the direction of who is actually paying the bills. It's not that hard to find out if you really want to know and/or consider that important.

I don't think its a craft vs. macro thing. People who drink Bud generally don't seek out craft beer and vice versa.

Bchris,
Sorry, I enjoy cold grocery store beer at home, but when I go out, the first thing I look for is a local craft beer, then second a national craft beer. I can't remember the last time I had a Bud, Coors, et al at a good bar. I know it's been over fifteen years. I also love cask ale in England and my method is the same there, I the bartender if he/she has a local, then national. By the way, cask ale is what many people incorrectly refer to as "warm beer". It's pumped, no pressure involved, just elbow grease, and it is around 56 degrees because it is kept in a keg facility below ground level, and it's excellent. Unfortunately, my health won't allow me to travel anymore, so the cask ale is just a memory.
C. T.

^^^^^^^^
Most people who regularly eat McDonald's don't also regularly eat S&B/Garage and vice versa. See how that works?

Urbanized,
Unlike the way I do beer, I haven't darkened the door of a fast food burger since the late 70's, so I agree with you. I did actually darken their doors when the boys wanted a McDonald's, but I didn't eat there.
C. T.

I'm similar. I keep PBR on my tap at home, yet my bars of choice are Skinny Slims, The Patriarch, and Fassler' Hall, where I will only get craft and usually Oklahoma brews.

Speaking of warm beer, yesterday was my first experience with an Oklahoma bar intentionally serving a warm beer. Skinny's in Edmond served Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout fairly warm. Was a surprise.

Imo a true craft beer enthusiast will know who owns the brewery of their choice.

Bille,
A bartender tried to tell me that Prairie was local and I pointed out that they are actually from Tulsa, almost local. I also had a bartender in Maryland try to tell me that Yuengling was German beer when in fact it's the oldest brewery in the U. S. and from Pennsylvania. I pretty well know my beer, so I totally agree with you.
C. T.

I'm similar. I keep PBR on my tap at home, yet my bars of choice are Skinny Slims, The Patriarch, and Fassler' Hall, where I will only get craft and usually Oklahoma brews.

Speaking of warm beer, yesterday was my first experience with an Oklahoma bar intentionally serving a warm beer. Skinny's in Edmond served Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout fairly warm. Was a surprise.

Jerrywall,
I was buying various craft beers for my kegerator and I think I'm going to crank it up again when I move. The only problem was, I never was really successful with the temperature, I either had a large head on my beer, or the beer froze before I finished the pony keg. I have a really good replacement control for the temperature (my Danby and a lot of brand kegerator controls aren't very good) but just haven't found that magic setting. Still, I do enjoy the craft beer on tap at home. I usually buy two different ones at a time but I haven't used it since a couple of the newer local beers started, like Anthem (I love their Count Pedro), Black Mesa, and Roughtail. I'm looking forward to those.
C. T.

Yup, even in states with strong craft brew cultures, and great beer laws, Coors and Bud still dominate sales. Plus you have the constant absorption of local breweries (Heineken just bought out Lagunitas for example), so even if you think you're buying local craft beer, there's a good chance you're buying from one of the giants (Goose Island, Leinenkugel, Shock Top, Blue Moon, Pyramid, Red Hook, etc).

This new brewery is surely purely local. Hopefully, it won't be sold off anytime soon: ironmonkbeer (http://www.ironmonkbeer.com/#!our_story/c18bc)

Urbanized,
Unlike the way I do beer, I haven't darkened the door of a fast food burger since the late 70's, so I agree with you. I did actually darken their doors when the boys wanted a McDonald's, but I didn't eat there.
C. T.

C.T., I must admit to having eaten much McDonald's with your oldest son, but probably not as much McDonald's as Taco Bell... :D

BTW, I've also had many beers with him, but they were mostly Coors/Bud/Miller because:

1. We didn't know any better, and
2. We were broke.

:D :D :D

And for me, 3. Because I wanted to pick up a case of beer on a Sunday.

And for me, 3. Because I wanted to pick up a case of beer on a Sunday.

True. Or...you could get one of COOP's 3.2 ABW brews. I personally actually like Briefcase Brown. Anyways, there really isn't anything wrong with liking Budweiser if that's what you like. When I started drinking beer I liked Budweiser pretty well. I really don't like the watery 3.2 version sold in Oklahoma but if I am in another state, a real Budweiser isn't so bad.

Yuengling, like Fat Tire, is very overrated. It isn't terrible and in fact I would consider it decent. It isn't what many people in Oklahoma make it out to be though. Sometimes the beers or the foods you can't easily get are the most hyped and the most wanted, even if they aren't the best. One only has to look at the aura surrounding In-N-Out to see that.

Yuengling, like Fat Tire, is very overrated. It isn't terrible and in fact I would consider it decent. It isn't what many people in Oklahoma make it out to be though. Sometimes the beers or the foods you can't easily get are the most hyped and the most wanted, even if they aren't the best.

Bchris,
I wasn't making Yuengling out to be anything other than a decent beer, I was just passing on a story about somebody local that thought Yuengling was a German beer. I don't know very many people that have ever heard of it, so to say many people in Oklahoma might be a stretch. I lived up there for three and a half years. I also enjoyed Rolling Rock which at that time was only sold in pony bottles (eight ounce) and only a tri-state area. That was in the 60s. I enjoyed Ballentines and Schaefer and a few others that were mostly local. My least favorite was Fitz out of New York, but it was still beer and almost like Will Rogers, I never met a beer that I didn't like!
C. T.

Bchris,
I wasn't making Yuengling out to be anything other than a decent beer, I was just passing on a story about somebody local that thought Yuengling was a German beer. I don't know very many people that have ever heard of it, so to say many people in Oklahoma might be a stretch. I lived up there for three and a half years. I also enjoyed Rolling Rock which at that time was only sold in pony bottles (eight ounce) and only a tri-state area. That was in the 60s. I enjoyed Ballentines and Schaefer and a few others that were mostly local. My least favorite was Fitz out of New York, but it was still beer and almost like Will Rogers, I never met a beer that I didn't like!
C. T.

Right, but a lot of people have hyped up Yuengling to be to die for. Personally I like Yuengling. I drank it all the time when I lived in Charlotte. However, after discovering the many great Oklahoma beers by COOP and Anthem breweries, I really don't find myself missing Yuengling that much.

I can agree with you that I've almost never met a beer I didn't like...with the exception of Bud Light and PBR.

Yuengling has a mystique here born mostly out of the fact that it hasn't been available west of the Mississippi, and people EAST of the river used to have a similar curiosity regarding Coors. There IS something to be said for the "you can't get it here" syndrome. That said, the Fat Tire hype is also based on a couple of other factors:

1. There are more beers in that Belgian ale wheelhouse these days, many of which do a better job. Simply put, others have now surpassed them. And...

2. Fat Tire is not quite as good today as it was a decade ago. Scaling the brewery up caused it to lose something. I've had brewer friends suggest it had something to do with live yeast and lack thereof, but I really don't know. All I know is that it has lost a step.

Yuengling has a mystique here born mostly out of the fact that it hasn't been available west of the Mississippi, and people EAST of the river used to have a similar curiosity regarding Coors. There IS something to be said for the "you can't get it here" syndrome. That said, the Fat Tire hype is also based on a couple of other factors:

1. There are more beers in that Belgian ale wheelhouse these days, many of which do a better job. Simply put, others have now surpassed them. And...

2. Fat Tire is not quite as good today as it was a decade ago. Scaling the brewery up caused it to lose something. I've had brewer friends suggest it had something to do with live yeast and lack thereof, but I really don't know. All I know is that it has lost a step.

I don't care so much about Fat Tire, I care more about other New Belgium offerings.

Yuengling:Right Coasters::Shiner Bock:Texans

Can Oklahoma kill 3.2 beer? | Tap Trail | Craft Beer News, Maps, and Events (http://www.bellinghamtaptrail.com/can-oklahoma-kill-3-2-beer/)

Can Oklahoma kill 3.2 beer? | Tap Trail | Craft Beer News, Maps, and Events (http://www.bellinghamtaptrail.com/can-oklahoma-kill-3-2-beer/)
So if Republicans refuse to do anything next session to put into action steps to significantly reform alcohol laws, then Oklahoma citizens will somehow have to find the willpower to launch a petition to obtain at least 124,000 signatures (or if it requires a statue, rather that constitutional change, half that) in order to hold a voter initiative in 2016 to reform such laws. Good luck with that if that is the way it boils down to. Anyway, I will be sure to call my two state legislators to ask them to vote for bills coming up to reform alcohol laws. They are not far Christian right, but you never know, especially with the Republican one.

So if Republicans refuse to do anything next session to put into action steps to significantly reform alcohol laws, then Oklahoma citizens will somehow have to find the willpower to launch a petition to obtain at least 124,000 signatures (or if it requires a statue, rather that constitutional change, half that) in order to hold a voter initiative in 2016 to reform such laws. Good luck with that if that is the way it boils down to. Anyway, I will be sure to call my two state legislators to tell ask them to vote for bills to reform alcohol laws. They are not far Christian right, but you never know, especially with the Republican one.

Are you just completely out of the loop or what? The liquor laws are being completely rewritten as we speak. The legislation will be passed by the state in the next session and go to a vote of the people in the Nov. '16 Presidential election. It passing is a foregone conclusion...

Walmart sending their lobbyists in the last legislative session was the game changer. Walmart is about to become the largest wine retailer in the state. See how progressive we are now?

Are you just completely out of the loop or what? The liquor laws are being completely rewritten as we speak. The legislation will be passed by the state in the next session and go to a vote of the people in the Nov. '16 Presidential election. It passing is a foregone conclusion...

Walmart sending their lobbyists in the last legislative session was the game changer. Walmart is about to become the largest wine retailer in the state. See how progressive we are now?

I hope you're right. I'll believe it when I see it. I certainly wouldn't bet my life on the legislature passing any reform for a vote on the issue. Interesting how long it took Wal-Mart to decide it was time to weigh in heavily on the issue.

Support for wine, high-point beer in Oklahoma grocery stores grows | News OK (http://newsok.com/support-for-wine-high-point-beer-in-oklahoma-grocery-stores-grows/article/5456184)

NewsOK Videos | Store owner shares thoughts on liquor law changes (http://newsok.com/store-owner-shares-thoughts-on-liquor-law-changes/multimedia/video/4585809117001)

Are you just completely out of the loop or what? The liquor laws are being completely rewritten as we speak. The legislation will be passed by the state in the next session and go to a vote of the people in the Nov. '16 Presidential election. It passing is a foregone conclusion...

Walmart sending their lobbyists in the last legislative session was the game changer. Walmart is about to become the largest wine retailer in the state. See how progressive we are now?
I hope there's not too many Republican legislators like this one, who isn't friendly toward alcohol law reform. No surprise he would be, since he comes from one of the 24, or so, counties where liquor by the drink is still banned: Rep. Todd Russ: Limits on alcohol access protects young people - Tulsa World: Other Voices (http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/othervoices/rep-todd-russ-limits-on-alcohol-access-protects-young-people/article_67b7694e-53fc-5fb7-90ec-654efa60be33.html)

I hope there's not too many Republican legislators like this one, who isn't friendly toward alcohol law reform. No surprise he would be, since he comes from one of the 24, or so, counties where liquor by the drink is still banned: Rep. Todd Russ: Limits on alcohol access protects young people - Tulsa World: Other Voices (http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/othervoices/rep-todd-russ-limits-on-alcohol-access-protects-young-people/article_67b7694e-53fc-5fb7-90ec-654efa60be33.html)

This is why it's important for those who want to see change to get involved. When this goes back before the legislature this spring, hound your legislators to pass it. It HAS worked to get this far in the process (bill approved, in conference). If liquor reform makes it to the ballot, it will likely pass but its not a sure thing so its important to register to vote. There are still lots of teetotalers in this state who want to do everything in their power to force their beliefs on all Oklahomans and they will all be voting.

Majority of Oklahomans show concerns of liberalizing alcohol laws | SoonerPoll (http://soonerpoll.com/majority-of-oklahomans-show-concerns-of-liberalizing-alcohol-laws/)

This poll shows there may still be some hesitance among the electorate to relax alcohol laws.

Majority of Oklahomans show concerns of liberalizing alcohol laws | SoonerPoll (http://soonerpoll.com/majority-of-oklahomans-show-concerns-of-liberalizing-alcohol-laws/)

This poll shows there may still be some hesitance among the electorate to relax alcohol laws.

When was the last time Oklahoma failed to pass a statewide alcohol law reform question? While they don't come up for a vote often, I'd guess before 1984.

Off the shelf: Alcohol reforms revisited - Enidnews.com: Local News (http://www.enidnews.com/news/local_news/off-the-shelf-alcohol-reforms-revisited/article_ad767315-5886-5f7a-9eb3-41a6ee5122b9.html)

Spirited debate: Oklahomans are concerned whether changing Oklahoma's liquor laws will make it more accessible to minors | News OK (http://newsok.com/spirited-debate-oklahomans-are-concerned-whether-changing-oklahomas-liquor-laws-will-make-it-more-accessible-to-minors/article/5460465)

I have a hard time believing people are really concerned about this when 48 states have liquor laws that are more liberal than Oklahoma's. Any time you want to take somebody's freedom, simply say its for the kids and the sheeple will fall in line. Liquor stores are worried about revenue loss and the religious right, who wouldn't mind a return to total prohibition, simply wants to keep access to alcohol as limited as possible. It isn't about protecting the children.

A friend in the industry gave me a cursory explanation of where resistance to change is coming from right now, and I was surprised to find out that most of it is coming from Miller-Coors. It was part of a larger conversation and we didn't get too detailed, but had to do with the current advantage M-C has as they also have a strong beer distribution arm. Modernization would threaten their stranglehold in some way, which had to do with a reworked approach to wholesale/brokering. So (at least as strong beer is concerned) what you have is M-C working against Oklahoma brewers and (surprisingly) AB Inbev. M-C is funding opposition, and is probably even behind much of the "don't do it for the sake of the children" argument. Like everything else, it always boils down to money.

A friend in the industry gave me a cursory explanation of where resistance to change is coming from right now, and I was surprised to find out that most of it is coming from Miller-Coors. It was part of a larger conversation and we didn't get too detailed, but had to do with the current advantage M-C has as they also have a strong beer distribution arm. Modernization would threaten their stranglehold in some way, which had to do with a reworked approach to wholesale/brokering. So (at least as strong beer is concerned) what you have is M-C working against Oklahoma brewers and (surprisingly) AB Inbev. M-C is funding opposition, and is probably even behind much of the "don't do it for the sake of the children" argument. Like everything else, it always boils down to money.

I wonder as to how the M-C merger with In-Bev would affect this opposition and I would love to see the campaign contributions from M-C related entities and who receives them.

I am really surprised big beer would be opposed to changing the laws, which doing so would mean they could sell their stronger products in this state. Maybe they see a move to single strength simply as increased competition on the shelves at grocery stores and convenience stores and are opposed to that? I really don't think it holds a lot of weight. Craft beer lovers generally shun domestics and people who drink domestics are pretty loyal to their brand.

I am really surprised big beer would be opposed to changing the laws, which doing so would mean they could sell their stronger products in this state. Maybe they see a move to single strength simply as increased competition on the shelves at grocery stores and convenience stores and are opposed to that? I really don't think it holds a lot of weight. Craft beer lovers generally shun domestics and people who drink domestics are pretty loyal to their brand.

It depends on how the laws change. Currently, strong beer/liquor manufacturers can't pay for shelf space, or control merchandising and display. I imagine they won't eliminate those rules. The major beer companies have already been losing money to the craft brew industry and having to share shelf space with more competition, and the addition that they would no longer receive priority placement and visibility could certainly worry them.

Additionally, they currently work on a direct distribution model in Oklahoma, so they deliver, merchandise, and sell directly to the bars, grocery stores, and convenience stores. It enables them to have a price advantage over a 3 tier system they'd have to integrate into. And, if they were required to be distributed by the various distributors (action, central, etc) you're going to have reduced deliveries and stock levels at stores. The distribution system in Oklahoma doesn't have the infrastructure in place to support distribution to all the bars, convenience stores, and grocery stores at the level that will be needed (initially). So there will either be a ramp up time with limited availability, or we'll have to totally revamp the distribution model in Oklahoma, which could affect the availability of out of state craft beers, or come up with a hybrid system (all direct sales as well as distributed sales).

I wonder as to how the M-C merger with In-Bev would affect this opposition and I would love to see the campaign contributions from M-C related entities and who receives them.

The merger will require that SABMiller spin off its interest in MillerCoors in the U.S..

I am really surprised big beer would be opposed to changing the laws, which doing so would mean they could sell their stronger products in this state. Maybe they see a move to single strength simply as increased competition on the shelves at grocery stores and convenience stores and are opposed to that? I really don't think it holds a lot of weight. Craft beer lovers generally shun domestics and people who drink domestics are pretty loyal to their brand.

It has nothing to do with craft vs. domestics. It is about who gets a cut on the way to the store shelf.

I am really surprised big beer would be opposed to changing the laws, which doing so would mean they could sell their stronger products in this state. Maybe they see a move to single strength simply as increased competition on the shelves at grocery stores and convenience stores and are opposed to that? I really don't think it holds a lot of weight. Craft beer lovers generally shun domestics and people who drink domestics are pretty loyal to their brand.
Craft beer lovers must be rich, since it can cost a lot more.

^^^^^^
Or, they can just drink less, since it is full-flavored and you don't have to drink a twelve pack of it to catch a buzz.

Spirited debate: Oklahomans are concerned whether changing Oklahoma's liquor laws will make it more accessible to minors | News OK (http://newsok.com/spirited-debate-oklahomans-are-concerned-whether-changing-oklahomas-liquor-laws-will-make-it-more-accessible-to-minors/article/5460465)

I have a hard time believing people are really concerned about this when 48 states have liquor laws that are more liberal than Oklahoma's. Any time you want to take somebody's freedom, simply say its for the kids and the sheeple will fall in line. Liquor stores are worried about revenue loss and the religious right, who wouldn't mind a return to total prohibition, simply wants to keep access to alcohol as limited as possible. It isn't about protecting the children.

That poll is a joke. It asks if there would be "concern" that grocery store wine sales would give more booze access to minors. Well Im sure there is concern from everyone about it, but doesnt mean more booze will end up in minors hands. There are measures to prevent this. This poll was about perception, not about reality.