Oklahoma liquor laws

[Bunty]

Can Oklahoma kill 3.2 beer? | Tap Trail | Craft Beer News, Maps, and Events

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.

[SouthsideSooner]

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?

[Bunty]

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.

[Plutonic Panda]

Support for wine, high-point beer in Oklahoma grocery stores grows | News OK

[bchris02]

NewsOK Videos | Store owner shares thoughts on liquor law changes

[Bunty]

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

[bchris02]

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

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.

[bchris02]

Majority of Oklahomans show concerns of liberalizing alcohol laws | SoonerPoll

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

[Bunty]

Majority of Oklahomans show concerns of liberalizing alcohol laws | SoonerPoll

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.

[Bunty]

Off the shelf: Alcohol reforms revisited - Enidnews.com: Local News

[bchris02]

Spirited debate: Oklahomans are concerned whether changing Oklahoma's liquor laws will make it more accessible to minors | News OK

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.

[Urbanized]

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.

[Jersey Boss]

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.

[bchris02]

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.

[jerrywall]

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).

[Urbanized]

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..

[Urbanized]

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.

[Bunty]

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.

[Urbanized]

^^^^^^
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.

[onthestrip]

Spirited debate: Oklahomans are concerned whether changing Oklahoma's liquor laws will make it more accessible to minors | News OK

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.

[okclee]

Someone should look this up but, I seem to recall that Oklahoma is already one of the worst states for under age drinking.

[jerrywall]

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

What's funny is that in states with a single strength beer, they're pretty much all on the 3 tier system, so it would just be bringing them into line. I'd say getting out of the delivery business (and just having to deliver to the 4 or 5 wholesalers, which offset any loss they get on the product price.

I do also think, as I mentioned above, this is as much being able to control shelf space and product placement as anything.

[jerrywall]

Someone should look this up but, I seem to recall that Oklahoma is already one of the worst states for under age drinking.

The most recent list I could find (from 2012) didn't have us in the top 10 (they didn't rank all the states). But increased availability has been tried to increased underage drinking, dui's, and abuse. It's why some states limit the number of liquor licenses.

[TU 'cane]

Craft beer lovers must be rich, since it can cost a lot more.

I've pretty much gone to nothing but local craft, I rarely, if EVER, get anything from the big domestics.

As long as our growing craft beer industry keeps doing exactly that - growing, they will become more popular and they'll have the peoples support.
It's gotten to the point where even I think *most* (I use that loosely) of our legislators are slowly acknowledging that something has to change.

After all, we just have to tell them that they're losing out on sales tax dollars with each person who gets beer from across the border.

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.

It's a joke because only 412 people were polled, that's reason enough for me to not take it seriously.

Let's just keep getting the word out and keep pressuring our legislators to pass more competitive and modern liquor laws. Send at least one email a month, just one, to both your representative and senator. Set up a monthly reminder to just send the same email and encourage them to get this stuff done.

[jerrywall]

Well, it's only partially a joke. Studies have shown that increased availability (especially at places where underage shoppers can access) does increase underage drinking. We just have to decide if that's worth the cost.

I'd hope that Wine in grocery would be located similar to how tobacco products are. Segregated, with limited access. Maybe even an entire section closed off to minors. I'm not to proud to admit that it was common when I was in high school (not that I ever did anything like this... cough cough) to go into the beer aisle and slip a couple of bottles into our pockets of our coats.