I bought refrigerated beer at a liquor store at 9:15 last night. What a time to be alive

I was hoping my medical marijuana card would show up in the mail yesterday. I had planned to put it in my pocket, and go get a bottle of wine at WalMart! Oh well. It's coming by snail mail, and I don't drink wine anyway, so what the hell.

I saw a liquor store that was open at 10 last night.

These taken at Sam's Club at 39th & May.

You can see that of 7 bins, 1 is dedicated to craft beers.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sams100118a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sams100118c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sams100118b.jpg

WOW! Lagunitas AND Sierra Nevada Pale Ale! Didn't see that coming. On the other hand, WalMart has huge liquor sections in their Missouri stores. So, I guess they know how to do this.

Seems like pretty good prices for a 12 pack. I'm used to seeing those boulevard wheats for $18-$20, IIRC

I do know that you can't sell more than two drinks to one person. But a "drink" is not specified by any size/amount/alcohol content, which is a bit odd. So two shots = two drinks, two light beers = two drinks, etc.

*two drinks at a time.


Drinking a full-strength 4.2% Bud Light Lime right now. There is a huge difference in taste, even though in ABV % it's only like an additional 0.2%.
A noticeable difference? If anything you're dining a fresher batch but detecting a difference with 0.2% is highly unlikely.

When I get the time, I want to do a bit of a price break-down at some of the major new distributors.

The prices I saw here were pretty darn reasonable.

Also, I didn't notice if they have any cold beer at Sam's but IIRC Costco never did in California.

That Joel Gott 815 is one of our faves, and it's usually closer to $20 at the few liquor stores I frequent. Even Uptown had it for around $16, so $13 is a steal.

Is that $15 for a Lagunitas IPA 12 pack or 6?

When I get the time, I want to do a bit of a price break-down at some of the major new distributors.

The prices I saw here were pretty darn reasonable.

Also, I didn't notice if they have any cold beer at Sam's but IIRC Costco never did in California.

With their focus as a "warehouse" and bulk purchase store, rather than a store for personal consumption (despite the fact that many of us use it for household purchases) I am not that surprised.

That Joel Gott 815 is one of our faves, and it's usually closer to $20 at the few liquor stores I frequent. Even Uptown had it for around $16, so $13 is a steal.

Is that $15 for a Lagunitas IPA 12 pack or 6?

That's a 12pk pricing. Probably a buck of two more at the liquor store.

So, it seems that any concern about local craft beer actually cost more with the new laws is unwarranted, at least at some outlets.

So, it seems that any concern about local craft beer actually cost more with the new laws is unwarranted, at least at some outlets.

Can't really tell from the pic what any of the local craft beer costs though. You happen to remember what any of those Anthem beers were selling for?

Edit: Sorry, totally missed the sign overhead in the first pic! Looks like $8 something. Probably close to $9. If those are 6 packs that's a fairly good price for those relative to what i'm used to seeing, which is closer to $2/can for that Golden One

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sams100118d.jpg

I work at a Harps grocery store which is headquartered in Arkansas and while tagging the wine and doing the sets many of the folks from Arkansas were commenting on our much cheaper prices. A few examples, a Cupcake wine is $10.28 here, in the AR price file it was $13.92. Barefoot large bottles (real big bottles) $8.98 here, $15.97 there. We're really seeing it in the wines, the prices are very affordable. We aren't carrying a ton of craft beer yet but I'm interested to see what happens there.

I saw on Hollywood Corner's FB page they will now require ID's from 2 people to purchase a bucket of beers.
Hollywood Corner is between Moore & Norman on N Porter & Franklin Rd. They have many events there, Bike Nights, Hot Rod nights & pay-per view sporting events.

Didn’t notice any wine at the Target on Memorial.

My wife said the same in regards to the Moore Target. She said there was a space for wine, but no actual stock yet.

I didn’t see any space cleared for it at our store. I was also trying to remember if it was remodeled before or after the vote passed.

My wife just texted me that part of the wine shelving at the Britton and May Homeland collapsed. Oops! Sounds like an expensive mess. Also the first negative thing I’ve heard about the new law.

I bought refrigerated beer at a liquor store at 9:15 last night. What a time to be alive

In conversation with someone this evening, he said his local liquor store would be open to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

As for my liquor store, the Top 100 beers are in the coolers, the others are on the shelf, still warm. Oh, and they have a walk-in cigar humidor. I didn't know that was part of the new law but good deal!

The law still requires stopping sales of beer at 2 am doesn't it? If so, does that include all alcohol? If true, then 2 am is the latest liquor stores can stay open.

In conversation with someone this evening, he said his local liquor store would be open to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

As for my liquor store, the Top 100 beers are in the coolers, the others are on the shelf, still warm. Oh, and they have a walk-in cigar humidor. I didn't know that was part of the new law but good deal!

The new law allows non alcohol products as long as those products don't exceed 20% of sales so I would assume cigars are non alcohol products.
C. T.

Sounds as though Oklahoma's liquor laws are more in tune with many of the larger states. This has always been a criticism of many of my relatives from Texas, California & Georgia. Now this is a nasty stain about Oklahoma we can finally put to rest.

My relatives use to be so critical of the non refrigerated high point beer sold in liquor stores; they would inquire--why is that? My response (I'm a non drinker & former bartender), you've got to ask somebody older than me.:D

Sounds as though Oklahoma's liquor laws are more in tune with many of the larger states. This has always been a criticism of many of my relatives from Texas, California & Georgia. Now this is a nasty stain about Oklahoma we can finally put to rest.

My relatives use to be so critical of the non refrigerated high point beer sold in liquor stores; they would inquire--why is that? My response (I'm a non drinker & former bartender), you've got to ask somebody older than me.:D

In a classic sports-like move, what's their next thing to rip rather than appreciate the change?

In conversation with someone this evening, he said his local liquor store would be open to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

As for my liquor store, the Top 100 beers are in the coolers, the others are on the shelf, still warm. Oh, and they have a walk-in cigar humidor. I didn't know that was part of the new law but good deal!

Sounds like you were in Grand Cru, where I got my refrigerated beer at 9:15 the other night

Liquor stores can stay open until midnight. Grocery and convenience stores can sell until 2am.

I find it interesting that many retailers argued against convenience stores selling until 2am but even with the change most retailers I've seen have only extended their hours to 10. And some only on Friday / Saturday. I haven't seen ANY open until midnight. Byrons maybe?

Also they cried over the distribution claiming it was absolutely going to be more a lot more even. And then I see Kerr (Moore Liquor/RLAO post that they're lowering prices because many things are cheaper now. That's weird!

Fwiw if you are bargain shopping at a liquor store, I'd avoid Sean's and Grand Cruz, those guys markups are offensive!

I haven't seen ANY open until midnight

quicker liquor on sw 89th & may stays open until midnight on fridays and saturdays... at least according to google.

quicker liquor on sw 89th & may stays open until midnight on fridays and saturdays... at least according to google.

This is correct... 8am to 10pm Monday through Thursday and 8am to midnight on Friday and Saturday...

Liquor stores can stay open until midnight. Grocery and convenience stores can sell until 2am.

I find it interesting that many retailers argued against convenience stores selling until 2am but even with the change most retailers I've seen have only extended their hours to 10. And some only on Friday / Saturday. I haven't seen ANY open until midnight. Byrons maybe?

Also they cried over the distribution claiming it was absolutely going to be more a lot more even. And then I see Kerr (Moore Liquor/RLAO post that they're lowering prices because many things are cheaper now. That's weird!

Fwiw if you are bargain shopping at a liquor store, I'd avoid Sean's and Grand Cruz, those guys markups are offensive!

Wine prices are coming down to stay competitive... Walmart’s initial markup is about 10% over cost... Spirit prices are going up... Wholesalers have raised their markup from 7.5% on spirits at the time the law passed to 17% now... liquor retailers are also having to raise their percentages on spirits to make up for some of the loss of wine profits to stay viable...

Forgive me if this was covered elsewhere. This question concerns the new higher taxes on beer.

I had a draft Shiner Bock last night. The usual cost for a pint at this place is 4.50. The larger frosty mug is two dollars extra, making it 6.50 of course.

The tab had added 2.88 in tax. A usual draft 2-dollar Coors at the Garage is 2.44 with tax. How do these taxes work?

^^^^^^^^
Regular combined sales tax in most parts of Oklahoma City is 8.625% (with slight differences in parts of OKC which overlap into other counties). On top of that the state tax for liquor and strong beer is 13%. This 13% tax was not applied to 3.2 beer because it was not regulated and taxed as an intoxicating beverage but instead as a food product. So people who are used to drinking Bud, Coors, Miller products (and also the many products owned by these companies which were offered here in 3.2 versions, such as Shiner Bock) the price of beer definitely went up, without question.

Here's hoping your Shiner was 13% more tasty! ;)

I hate being taxed....

In the last, I believe restaurants were supposed to include tax in the menu price for liquor. Not all of them complied with that law, but it was on the books. I’m not sure if that has changed with the new laws.

In the last, I believe restaurants were supposed to include tax in the menu price for liquor. Not all of them complied with that law, but it was on the books. I’m not sure if that has changed with the new laws.Most included it in the price. Some, The Garage for instance, listed the alcohol tax separately. I’ve seen more than one heated discussion between Garage management and customers about being charged for tax they didn’t think they were paying elsewhere.

^^^^^^^^
Regular combined sales tax in most parts of Oklahoma City is 8.625% (with slight differences in parts of OKC which overlap into other counties). On top of that the state tax for liquor and strong beer is 13%. (Snipped)

Well, if I'm correct, that makes the sales tax 22% on the dollar in essence. 22% of 6.50 is 1.43. Somehow I was charged double the tax.

Medical marijuana & a referendum on liquor laws; refrigeration, wine, beer and hours of operation; Oklahoma is on the move.

I hate being taxed....

Your in for a rough life, dude.

These taken at Sam's Club at 39th & May.

You can see that of 7 bins, 1 is dedicated to craft beers.
So AB InBev is now selling Ziegenbock in Oklahoma? A former co-worker here in Denver always had me pick some up when I was back in Texas (he was from Corsicana and went to Tech) for him since they don't sell it in Colorado. I stuck with my Shiner Bock (when I could drink).


When I get the time, I want to do a bit of a price break-down at some of the major new distributors.

The prices I saw here were pretty darn reasonable.

Also, I didn't notice if they have any cold beer at Sam's but IIRC Costco never did in California.
I don't remember refrigerated beer in the Sam's or Costco stores here in Denver or in Austin, Dallas or Midland.

I don't think cold beer had anything to do with the major brewers withdrawal from Oklahoma. It had to do with our laws and telling them what they could/couldn't do. I think they were called "franchise laws".
C. T.

I’m an investor in several local bars/restaurants and the 22.5% tax rate has always been the issue. It’s so steep we don’t even talk business in the terms of gross, rather “net after tax.” As we don’t pass the tax on to the customer in the form of a check.

There’s nothing I hate worse than “hi, how much is this beer? ‘$5’ oh, great I’ll have that....’that’ll be $6.13 please.’”

I have extremely high regard for joints that charge what’s on the menu. It’s almost as if we’ve been trained out of this as a culture.

There’s nothing I hate worse than “hi, how much is this beer? ‘$5’ oh, great I’ll have that....’that’ll be $6.13 please.'

Isn't that how it is with almost everything else you buy except petrol? I don't really care how much the drink costs as long as I feel happy after I drink it. :D I went by Walmart earlier for one particular thing (hate Walmart, but it's close) and ended up accidentally snagging a bottle of wine. It's delicious and went very well with my beef curry, and I'm happy right now.

There’s certain things, commodities even, like gasoline and food vs “prepared food” taxes that should just be included in the price. Booze is such a thing that $5 should be $5. Not $6.15 after the fact.

Wal-Mart on 23rd doesn't have wine yet either. I think some grocery stores were ready but others it's going to take them time to adjust to it. I also think as grocery stores remodel going forward with the new laws taken into account, selection will become greater. At this time, I'm not aware of a single grocery store in OKC that has the kind of beer selection grocery stores in Dallas do. Why? They were all built for the small selection of 3.2 beer that was always available here and nothing else. That will change with time.

I'll still mostly be going to Freeman's because they have such a wide selection. Grocery store availability though is very nice when you need it in a pinch and don't want to settle for 3.2. I think people will quickly discover that the liquor store still has the better selection, even if the grocery store is more convenient. One thing I'm intrigued by is why liquor stores have been reluctant to expand their hours so far. Freemans is still 9PM and that's one of the store that I assumed would jump on later hours.

I think the biggest concern for the liquor stores is going to be with wine. For example, I pretty much drink bottom shelf stuff so everything I would want is available at Homeland. I doubt I will go to the liquor store for wine unless I need something special. I'm sure many other wine drinkers are like me and the liquor stores will lose a lot of that customer.

There’s a lot of status quo and family run liquor stores going on here. What boggles my mind is why they (the liquor stores) weren’t given a fair playing field. Sure, they can sell what is classified as “food” now. And I’ve seen limes and chili salt. But they can’t sell retail items like tobacco, lighters, candy, etc. I understand that this would allow places like 7-11 to get a liquor license, but is that so bad?? I frequent Arizona and their law has been set up like that for decades.

Liquor stores are just going to have to try harder to get that business. For example, why isn’t there a reddy ice cooler outside every store as of October 1? Why aren’t they staying open later? It seems like too many family businesses not welcoming or taking advantage of change.

There’s a lot of status quo and family run liquor stores going on here. What boggles my mind is why they (the liquor stores) weren’t given a fair playing field. Sure, they can sell what is classified as “food” now. And I’ve seen limes and chili salt. But they can’t sell retail items like tobacco, lighters, candy, etc. I understand that this would allow places like 7-11 to get a liquor license, but is that so bad?? I frequent Arizona and their law has been set up like that for decades.

Liquor stores are just going to have to try harder to get that business. For example, why isn’t there a reddy ice cooler outside every store as of October 1? Why aren’t they staying open later? It seems like too many family businesses not welcoming or taking advantage of change.

Are you saying the liquor stores can't sell tobacco, lighters, etc or they won't? Because they absolutely can. Grand Cru has a humidor and a ton of lighters, cutters, etc.

Liquor stores that refuse to adapt to the new laws and take advantage of them will be the ones that won't last. That's the fact of the matter.

So AB InBev is now selling Ziegenbock in Oklahoma? A former co-worker here in Denver always had me pick some up when I was back in Texas (he was from Corsicana and went to Tech) for him since they don't sell it in Colorado. I stuck with my Shiner Bock (when I could drink).

Ziegenbock became available in Oklahoma a couple of years ago now. Since 2010 or so AB has been slowly filtering it out to states bordering Texas. Full strength is 4.0% ABV (3.2% ABW) so it was legal for sale in grocery stores, where I usually found it.

Liquor stores that refuse to adapt to the new laws and take advantage of them will be the ones that won't last. That's the fact of the matter.

Oh?

https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3e/Put-on-Suspenders-Step-15-Version-2.jpg/aid2675608-v4-728px-Put-on-Suspenders-Step-15-Version-2.jpg

Are you saying the liquor stores can't sell tobacco, lighters, etc or they won't? Because they absolutely can. Grand Cru has a humidor and a ton of lighters, cutters, etc.

I could be wrong, but I thought liquor stores could sell anything else besides alcohol as long as it wasn't more than 20% of their sales.

I have worked in many other states that allow chain liquor stores. The locally owned liquor stores that prosper are the ones that go above and beyond. I just can't get in board with a protectionist view. As a consumer we deserve a free market.

I could be wrong, but I thought liquor stores could sell anything else besides alcohol as long as it wasn't more than 20% of their sales.

Not quite 'anything' but yeah, they can sell complimentary stuff now. That's what Barrett is saying.

Will grocery stores be able to sell draft beer for consumption on premises. I'm always interested when I am at the Whole Food by Northpark that has a small bar area with draft beer...

Moore liquor is price matching Walmart... Now that's going above and beyond for your customers!

I have worked in many other states that allow chain liquor stores. The locally owned liquor stores that prosper are the ones that go above and beyond. I just can't get in board with a protectionist view. As a consumer we deserve a free market.
We have some very large liquor stores for Colorado being a one-store state although there were some modifications in existing law recently. There is still the one-license per entity requirement for liquor but wine and above 3.2 beer is going to be allowed in grocery stores soon. There are a couple of stores with the same name that recently opened a second location that are somehow getting around the one-store issue, maybe they just have beer/wine at one location. I guess kind of like Spec's and Twin Liquors down in Texas.

One thing I'm intrigued by is why liquor stores have been reluctant to expand their hours so far. Freemans is still 9PM and that's one of the store that I assumed would jump on later hours.


Considering so many argued against grocery and convenience stores sells due to unfair hours I don't understand this one either.


Liquor stores that refuse to adapt to the new laws and take advantage of them will be the ones that won't last. That's the fact of the matter.

Agreed


I have worked in many other states that allow chain liquor stores. The locally owned liquor stores that prosper are the ones that go above and beyond. I just can't get in board with a protectionist view. As a consumer we deserve a free market.

This is what many can't comprehend.


Will grocery stores be able to sell draft beer for consumption on premises. I'm always interested when I am at the Whole Food by Northpark that has a small bar area with draft beer...

Not yet unfortunately. Soon though, I hope, and across the board, not just grocers. One of my favorite places to visit in Texas is a growler fill "bar" where you can get anything from a few ounce taster to huge growlers to go.


We have some very large liquor stores for Colorado being a one-store state although there were some modifications in existing law recently. There is still the one-license per entity requirement for liquor but wine and above 3.2 beer is going to be allowed in grocery stores soon. There are a couple of stores with the same name that recently opened a second location that are somehow getting around the one-store issue, maybe they just have beer/wine at one location. I guess kind of like Spec's and Twin Liquors down in Texas.

It changed to two licenses.

One thing I'm intrigued by is why liquor stores have been reluctant to expand their hours so far.

Several things to address here. One is staffing capacity. Many liquor stores are family run businesses (I'd say most of them - Obviously the dozen or so larger ones aren't). So you're looking at the owner working longer and longer hours, or needing to find reliable people to help cover the expanded capacity for reasonable pay. This can be tricky. When we had a liquor store is was basically a be there 7 am to 9pm, 7 days a week proposition for us. We finally got where we could have an evening manager but it was always tricky finding and maintaining good evening staff. This is also the time period you're most likely to get robbed or have other incidents.

Two is stores working out how many hours are justified. The same reason car lots aren't eager to expand to 7 days a week sales, and that when I had my hobby collectible shops we adjusted hours till we found the right balance. For many businesses, there's a certain amount of money to be made on a daily and weekly basis. More hours doesn't always increase this. It's sort of a bell curve. The more specialized the industry, of course the more it's true. In my hobby shop, I found that 7 days a week, 12 hours day made me no more total sales that 5 or 6 days a week (closing Sundays and for a while Mondays), and having 10 hour days. So the extra hours were just added expenses in security, electricity, and staffing, or my own personal time. Stores will make their decisions based on their locations and demands. I've been to plenty of large cities where there is even 24 hours liquor sales allowed, and the boutique shops, especially in certain areas, had much more limited hours that the places, say in a downtown area, that were open 24 hours.

Related to this, and someone elses comments about the retailers arguing against the fairness of the expanded hours to large retailers. One, the RLAO while loudest, represents a small minority of liquor stores. I'm not sure they even have 10% of liquor stores in Oklahoma as members. Maybe not even 5%. The stores don't have a monolithic mindset. Most owners don't have the time for that. Two, I think the majority of the stores would have been happier with Sunday sales and sales on certain holidays (Memorial, Labor Day, etc) than longer hours in a single day.

Several things to address here. One is staffing capacity. Many liquor stores are family run businesses (I'd say most of them - Obviously the dozen or so larger ones aren't). So you're looking at the owner working longer and longer hours, or needing to find reliable people to help cover the expanded capacity for reasonable pay. This can be tricky. When we had a liquor store is was basically a be there 7 am to 9pm, 7 days a week proposition for us. We finally got where we could have an evening manager but it was always tricky finding and maintaining good evening staff. This is also the time period you're most likely to get robbed or have other incidents.

Two is stores working out how many hours are justified. The same reason car lots aren't eager to expand to 7 days a week sales, and that when I had my hobby collectible shops we adjusted hours till we found the right balance. For many businesses, there's a certain amount of money to be made on a daily and weekly basis. More hours doesn't always increase this. It's sort of a bell curve. The more specialized the industry, of course the more it's true. In my hobby shop, I found that 7 days a week, 12 hours day made me no more total sales that 5 or 6 days a week (closing Sundays and for a while Mondays), and having 10 hour days. So the extra hours were just added expenses in security, electricity, and staffing, or my own personal time. Stores will make their decisions based on their locations and demands. I've been to plenty of large cities where there is even 24 hours liquor sales allowed, and the boutique shops, especially in certain areas, had much more limited hours that the places, say in a downtown area, that were open 24 hours.

Related to this, and someone elses comments about the retailers arguing against the fairness of the expanded hours to large retailers. One, the RLAO while loudest, represents a small minority of liquor stores. I'm not sure they even have 10% of liquor stores in Oklahoma as members. Maybe not even 5%. The stores don't have a monolithic mindset. Most owners don't have the time for that. Two, I think the majority of the stores would have been happier with Sunday sales and sales on certain holidays (Memorial, Labor Day, etc) than longer hours in a single day.

Sunday sales are available, it’s by county option and requires a vote.

Sunday sales are available, it’s by county option and requires a vote.

And I'd really like our county to vote on it. Sunday sales would be more important, to me, than extended hours.

And I'd really like our county to vote on it. Sunday sales would be more important, to me, than extended hours.

That's the trick. Oklahoma and Tulsa, and probably Cleveland counties will probably hold votes sooner rather than later, if there is enough demand. But for most of the state it could be decades before Sunday sales.

That's the trick. Oklahoma and Tulsa, and probably Cleveland counties will probably hold votes sooner rather than later, if there is enough demand. But for most of the state it could be decades before Sunday sales.

I would be very surprised if Oklahoma, Tulsa and Cleveland counties don't pass these by a wide margin and in quick order.