I for one am very religious (not a member of the religious right though), do not drink myself (I have seen alcohol destroy too much to support it with my dollars) and think the world would be a lot better place without alcohol (in my dreams!), but I will vote for this measure in November because I support free market principles and more choice for the consumer in this particular case. I just don't see how this is a bad thing for the state. I don't buy the opposition's arguments.

+1

Anyway, the religious right will have to turn out in big enough numbers in the two biggest counties, Oklahoma and Tulsa, to defeat alcohol law reform. They certainly have not been able to do that in the past. I think the religious right has been much better in making sure alcohol law reform questions would not be permitted a vote. So as I see it, the recent developments already represent a huge defeat for the religious right.

You are right. The religious right is way over-represented in the statehouse and it passed by a pretty healthy margin. That is likely a good sign.

There will probably be a healthy opposition to reform, but a lot of it will probably come from counties where liquor by the drink still isn't legal, and those counties aren't populous enough to decide it. There would have to be a large turnout in Oklahoma City and Tulsa against reform for it to fail. While the churches most likely to rally their flocks against it are loud (Fairview Baptist, Windsor Hills Baptist, Olivet Baptist, Southwest Baptist to name a few), most of those congregations are rather small.

Could someone smarter than I explain what sb424 means to me as a consumer of locally-crafted beer? What additional products can a brewery offer because of this bill they cannot currently offer?

Full strength beer direct to the consumer from local breweries

Full strength beer direct to the consumer from local breweries

The way I read it, I would assume this includes all offerings, including kegs, growlers, etc. Is that correct? The bill reads to include consumers in the same group with distributors and package stores.

From what I have seen so far, it seems like a lot of opposition to this is going to come from the religious right. There is going to be a lot of scare tactics out there about how this will increase underage drinking, increase drunk driving, and tear at the moral fabric of this state. My guess is the passage will depend on young people turning out to vote. Most younger people, even those that are churchgoing, don't see alcohol as the social taboo that the older generation (who grew up in a state where liquor by the drink was not legal) do.

Those are the same scare tactics that I've been hearing from liquor store owners all over social media. That and how much prices will increase and selection will go down.

But I'm all for it. Much better than the current situation.

Scare tactics it may be, but it doesn't make them less true. It's just a matter of net benefit. There will be increases in drinking and underage drinking, and it's a shame that this bill doesn't provide for more mental health and addiction treatment. I also believe removing competition in distribution and allowing exclusivity agreements will reduce selection and drive up prices. But it's better than nothing.

Battle brewing: Groups prepare to serve up arguments for, against liquor changes

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record May 27, 2016

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two groups are organizing supporters so they can take separate sides on the state question regarding alcohol sales and distribution.

Retail Liquor Association of Oklahoma President Bryan Kerr said his organization is rallying groups to work together so people understand why they should vote against the measure outlined in Senate Joint Resolution 68. He estimated six groups will stand with his association, including a private-sector mental health organization.

The conglomerate could include religious groups, but he said he didn’t know if they would want to affiliate with an association that supports retail liquor stores.

Kerr has previously spoken out against SJR 68 because he said it will hurt small businesses. If approved during the general election in November, the measure would allow cold, high-point beer and wine sales in liquor, grocery and convenience stores.

He said the adjoining Senate Bill 383, which outlines the rules and regulations for alcohol sales, does even more damage to liquor stores because it does not limit the times that grocery and convenience stores could sell beer and wine. Liquor stores are closed on Sunday, but people with a retail beer or retail wine license – which convenience and grocery stores will have to acquire – can sell their products any day from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The RLA said consumers showed in earlier polls that they want to be able to bring people under age 21 into liquor stores, which SB 383 does not address.

“We want to make sure people really understand what SJR 68 really will do,” Kerr said. “It has more bad things in it than good. We do need alcohol reform, but not that alcohol reform.”

Oklahomans For Consumer Freedom supports the proposed reforms. Spokesman Tyler Moore said the group and its partnering organizations will reconvene after Memorial Day to decide their next step. Entities supporting Oklahomans for Consumer Freedom include Americans for Prosperity, Beer Distributors of Oklahoma, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, Oklahoma Beer Alliance, Oklahoma Grape Industry Council, Oklahoma Grocers Association, Oklahoma Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, Oklahoma Retail Merchants Association, Oklahomans for Modern Laws, State Chamber of Oklahoma and the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Moore said advertisements will start in midsummer. The group plans to make a lot of stops at community events.

“It’s important to us to engage and have real conversations,” he said. “We want to have a presence everywhere we can. We just want to make sure voters have the information to make an informed decision. We’re pretty confident that the public support is already there.”

Oklahoma Petroleum Marketers? That feels like a bit of an odd man out compared to the rest of that list.

It's the association for Petroleum Marketers and Convenience stores. Those industries are very tightly connected.

Ahh, convenience stores, that makes sense.

The way I read it, I would assume this includes all offerings, including kegs, growlers, etc. Is that correct? The bill reads to include consumers in the same group with distributors and package stores.

Haven't heard exactly what will be legal to sell but at this point I think most brewers are assuming pints for on-premise consumption and cans, bottles, growler/crowlers to go. I'd assume kegs are included too.

If some Oklahoma Legislatures had their way we would be stuck in the days of the brown bag bottle (non liquor by the drink). Remember when you brought your own bottle (they tagged it with your name) and they (bars) served you mixed drinks and you took your bottle home with you...

...things were so screwed up, you didn't know who ordered a drink from your bottle or took a swig from it. And if you forgot to pick it up upon leaving--chances are you would never see that bottle again.

If some Oklahoma Legislatures had their way we would be stuck in the days of the brown bag bottle (non liquor by the drink). Remember when you brought your own bottle (they tagged it with your name) and they (bars) served you mixed drinks and you took your bottle home with you...

...things were so screwed up, you didn't know who ordered a drink from your bottle or took a swig from it. And if you forgot to pick it up upon leaving--chances are you would never see that bottle again.

People who support the current laws for moral reasons are the same people who complain about liberal coastal states being "nanny states." Why do I need the state of Oklahoma protecting me from buying a cold real beer and buying it past 9PM? The liquor laws here are an example of the worst of nanny-statism.

While I don't agree with it, I can understand opposing this on the grounds of small liquor stores being hurt, but the moral objection is the height of hypocrisy.

Good point!

There will be increases in drinking and underage drinking...

Honest question, is there evidence to support this? Does Oklahoma currently have lower rates of drinking and underrage drinking than other states?

Honest question, is there evidence to support this? Does Oklahoma currently have lower rates of drinking and underrage drinking than other states?

Last study I saw, Oklahoma falls right in the middle of the pack in terms of drunk driving and alcoholism. If Oklahoma's strict laws really protected people from themselves, it should be near the bottom.

People who support the current laws for moral reasons are the same people who complain about liberal coastal states being "nanny states." Why do I need the state of Oklahoma protecting me from buying a cold real beer and buying it past 9PM? The liquor laws here are an example of the worst of nanny-statism.



I still don't get why the nannies thought it became okay in recent years in Payne County to finally order a drink legally on the Lord's Day but isn't okay to do that on a holiday. I wonder if Jesus is mad?

Last study I saw, Oklahoma falls right in the middle of the pack in terms of drunk driving and alcoholism. If Oklahoma's strict laws really protected people from themselves, it should be near the bottom.

Our laws aren't particularly stricter than other states. We're sort of the middle of the road.

Maybe I'm missing something, but I thought RLAO was on the SB383/SJR68 bandwagon? Wasn't this supposed to be the "great compromise" bill that brought everyone to the table, or am I not remembering correctly?

Our laws aren't particularly stricter than other states. We're sort of the middle of the road.

In terms of actual impact on the consumer they are. Only Utah is stricter. Pennsylvania comes pretty close, surprisingly, they usually don't get mentioned though because they don't have 3.2 beer.

Maybe I'm missing something, but I thought RLAO was on the SB383/SJR68 bandwagon? Wasn't this supposed to be the "great compromise" bill that brought everyone to the table, or am I not remembering correctly?

They were for SB383 last year when it was first introduced, back then it was only about refrigeration of high point beer in liquor stores. That support changed when they started getting the short end. Now they only support their own initial petition.

They were for SB383 last year when it was first introduced, back then it was only about refrigeration of high point beer in liquor stores. That support changed when they started getting the short end. Now they only support their own initial petition.

Yeah, not everything that the RLAO wanted was included in SB383. One thing they wanted was grocery or convenience stores that sell full strength wine/beer to be required to be a certain distance from a liquor store to prevent competition. This provision would likely not have made a difference in the suburbs, but would have impacted downtown especially as it continues to grow and the grocers start to show interest in the market.

Yeah, not everything that the RLAO wanted was included in SB383. One thing they wanted was grocery or convenience stores that sell full strength wine/beer to be required to be a certain distance from a liquor store to prevent competition. This provision would likely not have made a difference in the suburbs, but would have impacted downtown especially as it continues to grow and the grocers start to show interest in the market.

Right. Their initial, IP stated ~1/2 mile from existing retail stores, which would exclude a lot of existing grocers. Moreover it limited them to four total licenses. Seriously? No way even the smaller interests like reasors, quick trip, and oncue would go for that.

They made a significant change in their follow on IP but I'm thinking it's too late now that all of the bills have moved on. I'm nowhere near the person to ask though. I'm just excited SB424 passed and legit brewery taprooms will be here in just a couple of months. Exciting stuff!

Yeah, not everything that the RLAO wanted was included in SB383. One thing they wanted was grocery or convenience stores that sell full strength wine/beer to be required to be a certain distance from a liquor store to prevent competition. This provision would likely not have made a difference in the suburbs, but would have impacted downtown especially as it continues to grow and the grocers start to show interest in the market.

The other thing they supported is in the increased funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Also, until 383 was expanded, in store tastings, and allowing minors in to stores with their parents was not part of the package, nor was addressing 16yo's selling full strength beer and wine. Neither was the ability for breweries to sell growlers and crowlers. So it's no surprising they had objections with the information being presented.

To me the final bills, between the two of them, came out being much closer to the RLAO proposal, with four exceptions.

1. No new (as far as I've seen) mental health and substance abuse funding.
2. No 500 ft distance minimum for new wine licenses.
3. No phased in limit for number of wine licenses.
4. The ability for manufacturers to buy into distributors and have exclusive distribution deals (cause we know that won't affect prices).

I could see the benefit of those, but am happy with progress no matter.

I'm not seeing an update on http://www.oklegislature.gov/ yet, but here's this:

https://twitter.com/LOCALOkie/status/739924519448510464


The Governor signed both SB383 and SB424 today. We are getting closer. #hopthevote @stephaniebice

The Thirsty Beagle: Governor signs SBs 383, 424 (http://www.thirstybeaglebeerblog.com/2016/06/governor-signs-sbs-383-424.html)


Can we go ahead and declare Thursday, Aug. 25 to be #OKBeerDay?

That's the day Senate Bill 424 will go into effect, after Gov. Mary Fallin on Monday signed the bill into law.

SB 424 allows Oklahoma's craft brewers to sell beer produced at their breweries directly to the public, either for on-premise (pints, etc.) or off-premise (bottles/cans/growlers) consumption.

It's hard to overstate how huge of a deal this is for Oklahoma craft brewers. Think about how most six packs of beer go from anywhere from $8 to $12 at your local liquor store. That's anywhere from $1.50 to $2 per bottle, and that's after at least two levels of mark-ups before the beer goes from brewer to consumer. You can pretty easily see the economic advantages of selling one beer for $5 or $6 right out the brewery.

SB 424 also will likely give us exclusive brewery-only bottle releases, insane pint nights, more jobs, more beer tourism and ultimately more breweries.

So all in all, it's a pretty big deal.

I think 424 is a good thing overall... I just hope breweries in Oklahoma remember that there is only one reason they've existed and have had any success, and that is the direct investment in inventory by bars and liquor stores. Period. 100% of their sales were driven by that until this. I hope they're respectful of that investment, now that they're direct competitors with the folks who made them successful in the first place.

I think 424 is a good thing overall... I just hope breweries in Oklahoma remember that there is only one reason they've existed and have had any success, and that is the direct investment in inventory by bars and liquor stores. Period. 100% of their sales were driven by that until this. I hope they're respectful of that investment, now that they're direct competitors with the folks who made them successful in the first place.

Do you own a liquor store?

Do you own a liquor store?

Not anymore. Point?

Not anymore. Point?

None.

Not anymore. Point?

It's the same kind of statement I've heard from a handful of owners now after the bills have passed.

It's the same kind of statement I've heard from a handful of owners now after the bills have passed.

But it's a fair point. You can like the law (I do) while at the same time acknowledge the support liquor stores and local bars have had in building the craft beer industry. And now the folks they've helped to build are becoming their competitors and will be potentially offering exclusive products to customers. I know if I still had a shop I'd be re-evaluating shelf space allocation. Especially if the number 1 and 2 selling beers in America suddenly become available for liquor stores in Oklahoma. Why take gambles on local beers when I could fill my shelves with bud and coors who don't directly compete with me?

Simple: If you're closer than the brewery to me, then I'll still buy that craft beer from your store instead of driving out of my way to get to the brewery. Just because I can suddenly buy directly from the brewery doesn't mean I'm going to spurn the local liquor store - in most cases (i.e. distance or cost reasons). All things being equal, demand from customers should be driving those shelf space allocations. :P

But it's a fair point. You can like the law (I do) while at the same time acknowledge the support liquor stores and local bars have had in building the craft beer industry. And now the folks they've helped to build are becoming their competitors and will be potentially offering exclusive products to customers. I know if I still had a shop I'd be re-evaluating shelf space allocation. Especially if the number 1 and 2 selling beers in America suddenly become available for liquor stores in Oklahoma. Why take gambles on local beers when I could fill my shelves with bud and coors who don't directly compete with me?

Totally fair point. Vendors and manufacturers have been doing this for years now, especially in clothing, and it played some part in the reduction of independent retailers. I think the fact that most of our locals are independent as well sort of mitigates my concern here, but hopefully the brewers do not undercut other retailers at their own places.

Simple: If you're closer than the brewery to me, then I'll still buy that craft beer from your store instead of driving out of my way to get to the brewery. Just because I can suddenly buy directly from the brewery doesn't mean I'm going to spurn the local liquor store - in most cases (i.e. distance or cost reasons). All things being equal, demand from customers should be driving those shelf space allocations. :P

But what if those breweries are offering exclusive products or much lower prices? That's what I'm concerned with. Direct competition I don't see as a problem.

Simple: If you're closer than the brewery to me, then I'll still buy that craft beer from your store instead of driving out of my way to get to the brewery. Just because I can suddenly buy directly from the brewery doesn't mean I'm going to spurn the local liquor store - in most cases (i.e. distance or cost reasons). All things being equal, demand from customers should be driving those shelf space allocations. :P

I would think that the retailers biggest concern would be that the breweries would have exclusive and small batch products only available at their locations, which I think would be expected.

I would think that the retailers biggest concern would be that the breweries would have exclusive and small batch products only available at their locations, which I think would be expected.

I can guarantee the breweries will have exclusive products, especially small batch one-off products that previously made no sense or where literally impossible to sell (like growler only stuff). You'll see a lot more small scale test batches of stuff being tried at the source too.

And I'll be the guy that drives across town to buy fresh IPA from the brewery, especially until refrigeration is allowed. Even then it'll still be freshest/best at the source.

I wouldn't worry about breweries underselling retailers. They'll be able to set prices at retail and make more money, recouping huge margins that otherwise go to brokers, distributors, and retailers. Being able to sell at the source will be huge for them but they'll still need the distribution chain to handle their core, high volume brands.

We need to get a map of local breweries now. Can't wait to see some of the places and try out some local brews.

We need to get a map of local breweries now. Can't wait to see some of the places and try out some local brews.

I can recommend a few.

Mustang. Nicest folks in the world. Love them. Their beer is honestly not the best local brews, but they're such great folks, and give a great tour.

http://www.mustangbrewing.com/home

Coop - Great all around general beers. and a great tour.

http://coopaleworks.com/

Anthem brewing - Another strong brewer, with a great tour. And they almost always have a good tour package on groupon.

http://www.anthembrewing.com/

Prairie - Up in Tulsa. Worth the drive. Hands down, IMO, the best craft brewer in Oklahoma. The Prairie Bomb has been rated the best craft beer in the world by national reviews. DO IT, DO IT! The are probably one of the singular best breweries in the world and they're here in Oklahoma.

http://prairieales.com/

I can recommend a few.

Mustang. Nicest folks in the world. Love them. Their beer is honestly not the best local brews, but they're such great folks, and give a great tour.

http://www.mustangbrewing.com/home

Coop - Great all around general beers. and a great tour.

http://coopaleworks.com/

Anthem brewing - Another strong brewer, with a great tour. And they almost always have a good tour package on groupon.

http://www.anthembrewing.com/

Prairie - Up in Tulsa. Worth the drive. Hands down, IMO, the best craft brewer in Oklahoma. The Prairie Bomb has been rated the best craft beer in the world by national reviews. DO IT, DO IT! The are probably one of the singular best breweries in the world and they're here in Oklahoma.

http://prairieales.com/

Thanks Jerry. I am a big fan of Anthem just haven't made it over there yet. Might be my first.

Oh, and Roughtail! I totally forgot them.

http://www.roughtailbeer.com/

Have to plug our local Norman brewery as well.

http://www.405brewing.com/

Have to plug our local Norman brewery as well.

http://www.405brewing.com/

They have a great grapefruit sour!

I can recommend a few.

Mustang. Nicest folks in the world. Love them. Their beer is honestly not the best local brews, but they're such great folks, and give a great tour.

http://www.mustangbrewing.com/home

Coop - Great all around general beers. and a great tour.

http://coopaleworks.com/

Anthem brewing - Another strong brewer, with a great tour. And they almost always have a good tour package on groupon.

http://www.anthembrewing.com/

Prairie - Up in Tulsa. Worth the drive. Hands down, IMO, the best craft brewer in Oklahoma. The Prairie Bomb has been rated the best craft beer in the world by national reviews. DO IT, DO IT! The are probably one of the singular best breweries in the world and they're here in Oklahoma.

http://prairieales.com/


Great suggestions. Totally agree on Prairie.

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-supreme-court-strikes-down-alcohol-petition/article/5502809

No idea how this could effect SJR68

Does the Retail Liquor Association have a legal challenge out for SJR68? Or can they challenge it in the same way since it came from the legislature instead of the petition process?

We need to get a map of local breweries now. Can't wait to see some of the places and try out some local brews.

The okc craft beer festival is coming up in just over a week. Most (if not all) local breweries will be represented there. Additionally this year there will be a section for breweries in planning AND a few select homebrewers. Three sessions, one on Friday evening, a VIP session early Saturday afternoon and another regular session Saturday evening.

You guys should definitely come, it's a great opportunity to feel the pulse of what's happening in the OK craft beer with the added excitement of impending SB424 changes!

I dont discourage folks from going, but jesus... $40 for one ounce samples? There's no way I would get my money's worth. I mean, it's nice to give to the craft beer gods, but I'd rather spend $30 at Skinny Slims or Tapworks or Faslers.

I dont discourage folks from going, but jesus... $40 for one ounce samples? There's no way I would get my money's worth. I mean, it's nice to give to the craft beer gods, but I'd rather spend $30 at Skinny Slims or Tapworks or Faslers.

I've been to several of these types of events and I've always felt like I got as much as I could handle. ;)

I dont discourage folks from going, but jesus... $40 for one ounce samples? There's no way I would get my money's worth. I mean, it's nice to give to the craft beer gods, but I'd rather spend $30 at Skinny Slims or Tapworks or Faslers.

Agreed. $40 will fill a few growlers in a couple of months!

I've been to several of these types of events and I've always felt like I got as much as I could handle. ;)

And that's fine. Just for me the price seems high with what I can consume in one session. I'd like to see these type of festivals pricing quite a bit lower. Why shouldn't the breweries take a little bit of the investment too? I remember when I had my comic shop, I shelled out several thousand dollars for "free" comic book day each year.

Thought this was interesting, if nothing else because Oklahoma didn't make this list...

https://consumerist.com/2016/01/27/8-states-with-the-strangest-laws-for-buying-alcohol/

Thought this was interesting, if nothing else because Oklahoma didn't make this list...

https://consumerist.com/2016/01/27/8-states-with-the-strangest-laws-for-buying-alcohol/

Oklahoma does seem to share some of those laws, but a few of them also make me appreciate, in comparison, our current laws, restrictive though they may be.

I dont discourage folks from going, but jesus... $40 for one ounce samples? There's no way I would get my money's worth. I mean, it's nice to give to the craft beer gods, but I'd rather spend $30 at Skinny Slims or Tapworks or Faslers.

It's not the cheapest I agree and I sure wish it were cheaper. That said this will be the first opportunity to try beers from new breweries in planning, one-offs from local breweries (and homebrewers!) as well as a "not available in ok" section, which many people claim they drank their ticket price in vanilla rye bourbon county brand stout last year.

I dont discourage folks from going, but jesus... $40 for one ounce samples? There's no way I would get my money's worth. I mean, it's nice to give to the craft beer gods, but I'd rather spend $30 at Skinny Slims or Tapworks or Faslers.

$30 gets you 4 beers at Tapwerks. Believe me you get way more than that over 3 hours at the craft festival. You gotta eat afterward lol.

$30 gets you 4 beers at Tapwerks. Believe me you get way more than that over 3 hours at the craft festival. You gotta eat afterward lol.

I'll take 4 12 ounce beers over trying to get 48 samples for more money and having to stand in line, thanks anyways.

I lived in Golden, Colorado for several years, and there were (are) two breweries that I know of there. And even though Golden City Brewery was less than two miles away I would go to the local liquor store half a mile away 99% of the time to buy their beer there. Golden City Brewery even has food, t-shirts, a drinking area, and the friendly brew master and owner manning the place. It was just more convenient for me to go to the liquor store to get their beers. The prices if I remember were the same at the brewery and the liquor store. I don't think that the liquor stores will lose much money from breweries selling directly. Heck I saw liquor stores selling Coors and always having a lot of stock of it right across the street from the visitor/tours parking lot.

RLAO has shifted strategy now that SB383/SJR68 have passed through legislation. Both of those bills are now on the ballot as state question 792. RLAO's proposal is tentatively SQ791 but they'll still need to get all of the necessary signatures.

You likely won't see much from RLAO on social media these days as they are now mostly posting under "Cold Beer Sooner" a clever name as well as a strategy that will certainly confuse voters if both questions are on the ballot.

Here's a write-up from the Tulsa World discussing the two questions:
http://m.tulsaworld.com/blogs/scene/whattheale/what-the-ale-sq-or-sq-both-deal-with-cold/article_8061f43d-c3c8-5ebe-b438-3750d0618491.html?mode=jqm

Waiting for jerrywall to come in and say how SQ791 is better.

I agree with that blog though, I'm still going to support my local liqour store, and only use the grocery store for Sunday trips (if 792 doesn't allow liqour stores to open Sundays).

Like today it'll be a rare occasion when I purchase beer from a grocery store. I disagree with the distance restrictions and feel it'll be the downfall of 791. Then again if it makes the ballot I'm not sure how they'll make the distinction between the two...just the key differences?