And toy stores and hardware stores. In fact toy shops were their main focus.

Other states allow the sale of full strength beer at grocery stores and there are still liquor stores. Most liquor stores will survive. It's like a previous poster stated, in business there's always risk. I rarely drink, but I'm glad this passed.

Only 5 counties in Oklahoma rejected SQ 792 and in 4 of them it was close. A question like SQ 792 should had been tried 10 years ago. But maybe Wal-Mart was more focused on driving out grocery stores then.

It would be a wonderful day if everyone boycotted Walmart. They have done so much damage to this country.

Other states allow the sale of full strength beer at grocery stores and there are still liquor stores. Most liquor stores will survive. It's like a previous poster stated, in business there's always risk. I rarely drink, but I'm glad this passed.

I think you're underestimating the impact.

It would be a wonderful day if everyone boycotted Walmart. They have done so much damage to this country.

I haven't stepped inside a walmart in four years. Now I realize for small towns across Oklahoma there aren't really any other options but at least I can try.

If anyone is interested in individual county results. http://www.nytimes.com/elections/results/oklahoma-ballot-measure-792-revise-alcholic-bev-laws

I haven't stepped inside a walmart in four years. Now I realize for small towns across Oklahoma there aren't really any other options but at least I can try.
Right. Stillwater loves Wal-Mart so much that it has two super ones plus a neighborhood market. And still endlessly waiting on Target to come.

Other states allow the sale of full strength beer at grocery stores and there are still liquor stores. Most liquor stores will survive. It's like a previous poster stated, in business there's always risk. I rarely drink, but I'm glad this passed.
Those states have had many decades to adjust to new marketing conditions, as long as since prohibition ended in 1933.

I haven't stepped inside a walmart in four years. Now I realize for small towns across Oklahoma there aren't really any other options but at least I can try.

Yup. And soon that'll be the case in some towns when it comes to Wine options. YAY!

I haven't stepped inside a walmart in four years. Now I realize for small towns across Oklahoma there aren't really any other options but at least I can try.

Exactly,no options for small towns because Walmart killed off many of the ones that were there.

WalMart won't kill off the good liquor stores, it will kill off the bad ones. From my experience in Portland, it was nice being able to throw a few strong beers and a bottle of cheap wine in the cart at WalMart and be done with it. Still purchased specialty craft beers and hard liquor at the liquor store.

It won't devastate. It may actually help the good liquor stores improve their margins. It will drive people who want cheap, strong beer to walmart, leaving more room for higher margin craft beers and more expensive wine. Your beer expert is not going to suddenly stop buying craft beer at the liquor store because WalMart sells full strength Budweiser.

In Texas, Spec's is stronger than ever with 55 locations in Houston, and somehow every HEB having a serious local craft beer selection and in store wine tastings(!) doesn't appear to slow them down.

In Texas, Spec's is stronger than ever with 55 locations in Houston, and somehow every HEB having a serious local craft beer selection and in store wine tastings(!) doesn't appear to slow them down.

Have you ever compared Spec's prices with Byrons (especially on liquor)? It's an interesting exercise.

Exactly,no options for small towns because Walmart killed off many of the ones that were there.

Long ago a friend of mine who worked at Gibson's said someone from Wal-Mart would come in and snoop on their prices. It was tolerated as long as Wal-Mart allowed them to do the same. However, snooping behind the counter wasn't permitted. Eventually, Wal-Mart moved into a new super center, and Gibson's soon closed. I wonder how often Wal-Mart goes price snooping these days in small towns.

Long ago a friend of mine who worked at Gibson's said someone from Wal-Mart would come in and snoop on their prices. It was tolerated as long as Wal-Mart allowed them to do the same. However, snooping behind the counter wasn't permitted. Eventually, Wal-Mart moved into a new super center, and Gibson's soon closed. I wonder how often Wal-Mart goes price snooping these days in small towns.

Yes, not many places left for them to snoop around in these days. The Walmart fat cats make their billions while paying the help peanuts and providing a lot of junk to the public. It's enough to make you sick when you think about how they played a huge part in destroying many of the places we used to go shopping at. And yes I am sure they will have huge shelves full of liq. but they will not be getting any cash from me.

Long ago a friend of mine who worked at Gibson's said someone from Wal-Mart would come in and snoop on their prices. It was tolerated as long as Wal-Mart allowed them to do the same. However, snooping behind the counter wasn't permitted. Eventually, Wal-Mart moved into a new super center, and Gibson's soon closed. I wonder how often Wal-Mart goes price snooping these days in small towns.

I know they've hit Crest quite often and have been thrown out. Not small towns but still.

When Wal-Mart puts into their investor statements that their goal is to put KB Toys out of business, you have to wonder.

Have you ever compared Spec's prices with Byrons (especially on liquor)? It's an interesting exercise.

craft beer...cheaper
boxed wine...25% cheaper

didn't look at liqours

craft beer...cheaper
boxed wine...25% cheaper

didn't look at liqours

Liquors are the big difference. When we had our shop part of what I did was price compare to both Byron's and Specs. The difference was amazing. When you lose a big part of your "milk and eggs" sales, you have to offset elsewhere. The competition with Wal-Mart for wine and beer will drop those areas, but it is going to be offset.

I guess I'm not following. What do you expect the liqour prices at Spec's to be?

I guess I'm not following. What do you expect the liqour prices at Spec's to be?

You'd think being a chain in the liquor paradise that is Texas they'd be cheaper than a single store operation in Oklahoma.

You'd think being a chain in the liquor paradise that is Texas they'd be cheaper than a single store operation in Oklahoma.

I wouldn't, I assume their beer and wine is cheaper because it has to be, so they hold liqour prices up?

I wouldn't, I assume their beer and wine is cheaper because it has to be, so they hold liqour prices up?

Well yeah, that's exactly the reality. It just surprised me the first time I observed that.

Well yeah, that's exactly the reality. It just surprised me the first time I observed that.

Prices will most likely drop on certain items in Ok. also. Is that not a good thing for the consumer?

Prices will most likely drop on certain items in Ok. also. Is that not a good thing for the consumer?

It depends if there is less availability.

Well yeah, that's exactly the reality. It just surprised me the first time I observed that.

I guess its because I don't drink the staples (Crown, Jack, et al), but the whisky, scotch and even vodka I buy is on average $2.50 to $5 per 750ml cheaper at specs than at Byron's. When its on sale there, it can be even cheaper. My old favorite liquor store assured me that wasn't the case over and over, but my receipts for years show otherwise.

Does this law allow me buying wine online and having them ship it to my door?

Does this law allow me buying wine online and having them ship it to my door?

Sort of. Only wines not currently on the shelves in Oklahoma, and such wineries would need to purchase a direct shipper's license for $300. Also there's a limit of how many bottles you could buy a year. It's pretty high though.

Sort of. Only wines not currently on the shelves in Oklahoma, and such wineries would need to purchase a direct shipper's license for $300. Also there's a limit of how many bottles you could buy a year. It's pretty high though.

Nice. I have always wanted to try the variety packs they send once a month.

And just like that, New Belgium and Stone Brewing coming to Oklahoma.

http://m.tulsaworld.com/blogs/scene/whattheale/what-the-ale-big-time-breweries-coming-to-oklahoma/article_14a629b8-de19-5b9d-95e8-e893fa8415a0.html?mode=jqm

February? Well there goes that "won't come in without cold beer" myth.

And just like that, New Belgium and Stone Brewing coming to Oklahoma.

http://m.tulsaworld.com/blogs/scene/whattheale/what-the-ale-big-time-breweries-coming-to-oklahoma/article_14a629b8-de19-5b9d-95e8-e893fa8415a0.html?mode=jqm

Is 1554 coming? I don't see it mentioned in the article.

Is 1554 coming? I don't see it mentioned in the article.

If I had to guess they'll expand over time as it makes sense.

http://www.newson6.com/story/34092273/retail-liquor-association-of-oklahoma-files-lawsuit-against-able-commission

The Oklahoma Liquor Cartel in full effect

The all powerful Cartel.

I don't see how the lawsuit has a leg to stand on.

It's actually more fair than SQ 791, which would have said that grocery and convenience stores within a certain distance from a liquor store could not sell beer/wine.

The RLAO is acting like liquor stores and grocery/convenience stores are equal entities and the law favors the grocers. This would be the case, except for the fact that liquor stores are still the only entities that can sell hard liquor. If a liquor store makes most of its profit off beer and wine and wanted to open more than two locations, is anything preventing them from getting out of hard liquor sales and thus falling under the same regulations as grocers and convenience stores?

As long as liquor stores can sell hard liquor and grocery and convenience stores can't, I don't see how this holds up as unfair treatment. The law shouldn't be designed to protect a business model that was unfair to begin with and should have been done away with in 1959.

In a worst-case scenario however, what happens with SQ 792? Is it possible that the court strikes down certain aspects of it, or will the state have to go back to the drawing board and pass another ballot measure?

I won't speak on the legality. If it's legal, then there's nothing to worry about. If it's in violation of the law, it should be fixed.

As for what happens... if we're talking about 792, then yes, if parts of it are struck down, I think it's back to the drawing board, and another vote. I could be wrong though.

Time to res an old thread.

Senator Bice has filed a few new bills:

"SB 211 and SB 257 would allow for a county-option vote on Sunday liquor sales and a county-option vote for children 12 years old and younger to enter the liquor store." -- Journal Record

Time to res an old thread.

Senator Bice has filed a few new bills:

"SB 211 and SB 257 would allow for a county-option vote on Sunday liquor sales and a county-option vote for children 12 years old and younger to enter the liquor store." -- Journal Record
But what about holidays? It would be strange in the Bible Belt to be able to walk into a liquor store on the Lord's Day, but not on any holiday, like Labor Day.

Maybe not quite the right thread for this, but matched up best with the question.

In a liquor store today, wife asked to use the restroom, they said it was against the law. Never heard that before, but then again, never asked to use the restroom in one before, anybody know if it really is? If so, that's just so f-ing bizarre, but wouldn't be surprised, sadly.

Maybe not quite the right thread for this, but matched up best with the question.

In a liquor store today, wife asked to use the restroom, they said it was against the law. Never heard that before, but then again, never asked to use the restroom in one before, anybody know if it really is? If so, that's just so f-ing bizarre, but wouldn't be surprised, sadly.

That's the Ok. outdated liq. law working to serve it's people.

Maybe not quite the right thread for this, but matched up best with the question.

In a liquor store today, wife asked to use the restroom, they said it was against the law. Never heard that before, but then again, never asked to use the restroom in one before, anybody know if it really is? If so, that's just so f-ing bizarre, but wouldn't be surprised, sadly.

. . . might have just been an excuse. . .easier to lay the blame elsewhere ratherthan saying "no public restrooms". . .

. . . might have just been an excuse. . .easier to lay the blame elsewhere ratherthan saying "no public restrooms". . .

Yep, I know, that's why I'm asking, and that's BS, she shoulda just said "no public restrooms" though, figured jerry'd chime in, since he used to own a liquor store :) , but I'll go out and start researching myself today.

Anything new on this issue?

I don't think there's anything new, because there's not an issue. If you go through Oklahoma's (or anyone else's for that matter) liquor laws you won't find anything even remotely suggesting that the public must not be allowed to use the employee restroom.

However, if you look at the IPC (which is what Oklahoma follows) you will see different requirements for employee vs public restrooms, where they must be located, what sort of facilities must be provided, and so on. Since the code is frequently updated, you'll also discover that some things that were fine in the past are no longer fine now, but buildings that conformed to the past code were grandfathered in. Were they to remodel or open the employee restroom to the public, however, they would have to follow the new code.

So strictly speaking "it's against the law" is not totally incorrect. It's not the full story, either, but just saying that and letting the customer think "dumb liquor laws" makes the business look better than "we don't want to maintain public restrooms".

Maybe not quite the right thread for this, but matched up best with the question.

In a liquor store today, wife asked to use the restroom, they said it was against the law. Never heard that before, but then again, never asked to use the restroom in one before, anybody know if it really is? If so, that's just so f-ing bizarre, but wouldn't be surprised, sadly.

Not against the law. We used to let people use our bathroom in the back all the time. If it is, it's a surprise to me. I guess there could be something about allowing people in your stock room. I do know public restrooms have stricter ADA compliance requirements, but I'm pretty sure they were just making an excuse.

Now this is a tax cut I can get behind.

Bice seeks lower liquor consumption tax rate
By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record February 1, 2017 0

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Stephanie Bice wants to lower a tax rate. But she said the change would not create a larger budget deficit.
The Oklahoma City-area Republican filed Senate Bill 58, which would lower the alcohol consumption tax to 10 percent from 13.5 percent.
“I’m lowering the tax rate, but we’re still going to make money,” Bice said.
The alcohol consumption tax is applied only to prepared drinks, not alcoholic beverages that are purchased in a package.
Oklahoma’s 3.2-percent beer is often not taxed in restaurants. When beer is switched to one strength in October 2018, the existing 13.5-percent tax rate will be a large jump for some beer consumers.
The 10-percent rate is almost a middle ground between no tax and having a tax, Bice said.
Oklahoma Restaurant Association President and CEO Jim Hopper said the organization supports the measure, and may even pursue getting the rate lower than 10 percent. He said the association’s concern is that if the consumption tax is not lowered, then people may choose to stay home to consume alcohol because it would be cheaper.
He commended Sen. Bice for working with the organization on meeting its concerns.
Bice said when she started working on changing the state’s alcohol laws in 2016, the ORA approached her about lowering the consumption rate. This year, the association came back and asked for a separate bill, and she was happy to oblige.
She said some of her legislative colleagues are concerned with her bill because, on its face, it is lowering a tax rate. The Oklahoma Tax Commission is still running its calculations, but she said the revenue will remain in the millions.
SB 58 is one of several alcohol-related bills that Bice is running this year.
The Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission is watching Senate Bills 174, 211, and 257. SB 211 and SB 257 would allow for a county-option vote on Sunday liquor store sales and a county-option vote for children 12 years old and younger to enter the liquor store, respectively.
SB 174 would allow a married couple to own multiple liquor stores. Each spouse could have a retail spirit license for up to two liquor stores. The current law forbids the spouse of a liquor store licensee from also having licenses.

She said some of her legislative colleagues are concerned with her bill because, on its face, it is lowering a tax rate.


What? Where the hell was this concern when they decided to give away oil for almost free?

Not against the law. We used to let people use our bathroom in the back all the time. If it is, it's a surprise to me. I guess there could be something about allowing people in your stock room. I do know public restrooms have stricter ADA compliance requirements, but I'm pretty sure they were just making an excuse.

It is highly possible ABLE doesn't want non-employees in the storage area. For restaurants there must be a clearly defined storage area that is locked to the public at all times. Also consider if they didn't know/trust you. They would have to stand back there and wait for you to do whatever it is you needed to do so you weren't left unattended in the store room.

Thanks for the info, kind of makes sense...

Liquor lawsuit now waits in Cauthron’s court (http://journalrecord.com/2017/02/14/liquor-lawsuit-now-waits-in-cauthrons-court/)


The lawsuit filed by the Retail Liquor Association of Oklahoma over State Question 792 is now in the U.S. District Court of Western Oklahoma and will be heard by Judge Robin J. Cauthron.

New Belgium Brewing has started shipping Fat Tire to Oklahoma. The grocery stores has the 3.2 version, but liquor stores has full strength!

New Belgium Brewing has started shipping Fat Tire to Oklahoma. The grocery stores has the 3.2 version, but liquor stores has full strength!

On Tap at OConnells here in Norman.

On Tap at OConnells here in Norman.

It may be different, but I know where I've been locally, anything on tap has been 3.2. However, I know Skinny's has cans of the full octane brew.

It may be different, but I know where I've been locally, anything on tap has been 3.2. However, I know Skinny's has cans of the full octane brew.

Same. Pump was 3.2%, but full strength at liquor stores.

Personally I think Native Amber is a lot better anyways.

On Tap at OConnells here in Norman.

Had it on tap at Pizza 23 Tues night and it was much better than I remembered.

It's on tap at Rock and Brews, plus half price during happy hour, which is nice. $2.50/pint.

Per NewsOK, there is some lobbying currently going on trying to change Oklahoma's laws requiring that alcohol consumption is segregated at movie theaters. Hopefully this gets changed. I have long wondered why OKC doesn't have any of these upscale movie/drinking establishments (aside from the Warren balcony) when they are very common in other cities. I had no idea there was a law against it.

Per NewsOK, there is some lobbying currently going on trying to change Oklahoma's laws requiring that alcohol consumption is segregated at movie theaters. Hopefully this gets changed. I have long wondered why OKC doesn't have any of these upscale movie/drinking establishments (aside from the Warren balcony) when they are very common in other cities. I had no idea there was a law against it.

More on this from the Oklahoman.
http://m.newsok.com/article/5540772

Dinner, a drink and a movie could soon be an all-in-one affair, if Oklahoma's Legislature and governor approve.
A law change to make that possible is being pursued by an Oklahoma City land owner and developer, plus the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber.
They argue it would be a natural step to take as part of voters' approval of State Question 792.

With Rep. Williams of Stillwater one of those behind the bill I hope, he thinks a Flix Brewhouse would be interested in coming to Stillwater.