Oklahoma liquor laws

[Bunty]

Whatever petition Wal-Mart supports should be able to get enough money from Wal-Mart to hire an army of signature takers. Maybe a lot of people would love to get paid for getting something like $3 to $5 per signature. Busy street corners might be worth $100 or better an hour.

[bille]

Changing these laws just isn't going to be easy being that the liquor industry in the state is built around them. Colorado and Minnesota, much more liberal states than Oklahoma, still have similar laws on the books. Fortunately in those states, regulations on liquor stores aren't near as strict so they have less impact on the consumer.

I wish Oklahoma would simply allow liquor stores to sell cold beer and allow them to have expanded hours and call it a day. Of course, big beer doesn't want that, but they could respond by bringing their full-strength product into liquor stores.

Do you think there will be any movement on Stephanie Bice's proposal? I think it has a much better shot than this petition to actually get somewhere.

I'm trying to be optimistic about SB383 but there are a lot of interests on the table, hence all the new groups and soon to be initiative petitions to reflect their wants that have been materializing recently. I'm most confident in SB424 and hope nobody opposes AND that it allows the brewers to have a fully functioning tap room with on-site consumption. If nothing else changes this year I will be happy.

[barrettd]

I'm trying to be optimistic about SB383 but there are a lot of interests on the table, hence all the new groups and soon to be initiative petitions to reflect their wants that have been materializing recently. I'm most confident in SB424 and hope nobody opposes AND that it allows the brewers to have a fully functioning tap room with on-site consumption. If nothing else changes this year I will be happy.

Nice thing about 383 is Bice has invited everyone to the table, so it would appear to not only have the most support from the industry, but it also is working out the legislation before the people vote. If the other petitions are successful, they still would need legislation to work out the logistics and make everyone happy. I'm hopeful Bice's bill will be the solution.

[Easy180]

Just got out of Sean's Wine & Spirits and the lady helping me said to expect New Belgium in OK this summer. Said they just have to sign with a broker then wait 45 days.

[jerrywall]

Just got out of Sean's Wine & Spirits and the lady helping me said to expect New Belgium in OK this summer. Said they just have to sign with a broker then wait 45 days.

Was hoping it would be sooner, but better than never! Last fall I know they were hoping to be on shelves in January. Oskar Blues is also coming to Oklahoma.

[Bunty]

Was hoping it would be sooner, but better than never! Last fall I know they were hoping to be on shelves in January. Oskar Blues is also coming to Oklahoma.

As a Oklahoma homebody, what is supposed to be so amazingly wonderful about New Belgium and Oskar Blues beers? As a homebody, Stilly Wheat craft beer, brewed in Stillwater is amazing.

[jerrywall]

As a Oklahoma homebody, what is supposed to be so amazingly wonderful about New Belgium and Oskar Blues beers? As a homebody, Stilly Wheat craft beer, brewed in Stillwater is amazing.

It's just taste, really. I agree there are some great local brewed selections, but as a self professed "beer tourist" I've travelled quite a bit and always try new beers, so I get excited when I can get something I've previously tried out of state or never got a chance to have before. New Belgium has some very solid beers. For me they're right up there with DogFish Head. Oskar Blues is not in my top list but they have a strong following. They have their brewpubs by the same name, and some other restaurants as well, and they have a pretty solid scotch ale called Old Chub which is fairly popular.

I'm having to get less and less of my fridgefiller from Dallas, which is nice!

[bchris02]

As a Oklahoma homebody, what is supposed to be so amazingly wonderful about New Belgium and Oskar Blues beers? As a homebody, Stilly Wheat craft beer, brewed in Stillwater is amazing.

1554 is the only New Belguim beer I care about. All the others have better, Oklahoma-brewed alternatives.

[jerrywall]

1554 is the only New Belguim beer I care about. All the others have better, Oklahoma-brewed alternatives.

I like 1554. I also have yet to see an Oklahoma brewed Belgian-style dubbel that is better than their Abbey, and their Lips of Faith offerings are always fantastic. While I love my Oklahoma breweries (well, most of them - some things should never leave Krebs), there are some very good New Belgium beers that I can't replace with Oklahoma offerings. Although you can say the reverse about some of the Oklahoma brews such as Prairie Bomb (and Pirate Bomb!)

[bchris02]

I like 1554. I also have yet to see an Oklahoma brewed Belgian-style dubbel that is better than their Abbey, and their Lips of Faith offerings are always fantastic. While I love my Oklahoma breweries (well, most of them - some things should never leave Krebs), there are some very good New Belgium beers that I can't replace with Oklahoma offerings. Although you can say the reverse about some of the Oklahoma brews such as Prairie Bomb (and Pirate Bomb!)

I've never tried their Abbey. I'll have to try it. Hopefully the rumor is true anyways and New Belgium is on its way to OK liquor stores. From what I've heard, they are planning to introduce 3.2 Fat Tire to Oklahoma, so I am sure their decision to introduce their full line to liquor stores is tied to that.

[jerrywall]

I've had confirmation from multiple folks in the industry that they are coming. So it should be a matter of when, not if.

[Easy180]

I've had confirmation from multiple folks in the industry that they are coming. So it should be a matter of when, not if.

She named a few other out of state brewers were coming in soon so they made a lot of empty space on their massive beer wall to make room for them.

[bradh]

I'm hoping with AB/InBev purchasing Breckenridge that means we will see it in Oklahoma soon. I LOVE Breck's beers.

As far as votes, was reading today in the Oklahoman that there are potentially two petitions that could be state questions. One allowing strong beer in grocery, and another allowing refrigerated beer in liqour stores. The front needs to be unified here. Honestly, I'd rather the liqour stores have the chilling capabilities. My main reason is I like the guys at my local liqour store and know them by name (embarrassingly).

[jerrywall]

The thing about liquor stores and refrigeration? It's just a statue change, and can be done without a vote of the people. We just need the legislature to pass it. *holding my breath*

[onthestrip]

The thing about liquor stores and refrigeration? It's just a statue change, and can be done without a vote of the people. We just need the legislature to pass it. *holding my breath*

Exactly, its just that the legislators we have voted into office refuse to do their jobs.

[jerrywall]

Or it's not a high priority for them.

[onthestrip]

Or it's not a high priority for them.

But its obviously become a priority of citizens, therefor it should be a priority of legislators.

Its the same with education and judicial reform issues. The citizens have been calling for better teacher pay and judicial reform yet lawmakers have done nothing. Now there are several measures people are trying to get on the ballot. And in some cases its a mish mash of things that could confuse voters, when instead it would be easier and more efficient if it was done at the capital.

[jerrywall]

But its obviously become a priority of citizens

I'm not sure that it is. I have a feeling if I polled the 20 folks at my office on cold beer at liquor stores, they'd rate it as "would be nice". Not sure any of them would rate it as a priority. That's the biggest obstacle to various liquor law changes... apathy. For the most part, most folks are OK with things as they are, even if there are changes they would like.

Cold beer isn't going to get someone reelected.

[Bunty]

I'm not sure that it is. I have a feeling if I polled the 20 folks at my office on cold beer at liquor stores, they'd rate it as "would be nice". Not sure any of them would rate it as a priority. That's the biggest obstacle to various liquor law changes... apathy. For the most part, most folks are OK with things as they are, even if there are changes they would like.

Cold beer isn't going to get someone reelected.

I bet the majority would gladly sign a petition for alcohol law reform if it was presented to them. The biggest problem is finding enough volunteers willing to go around with a petition, especially if they weren't paid anything by the signature and goes back to not enough people thinking it's a priority to do.

[jerrywall]

I bet the majority would gladly sign a petition for alcohol law reform if it was presented to them.

I'm sure. That's the disconnect. Folks would sign if presented, but don't care enough to make any effort.

[shavethewhales]

I'm not sure if this has been posted yet, but Anheuser-Busch is really pushing some ads down my throat this morning regarding SJR 68: OK Loves Bud Light

It sounds like they are fighting the modernization push while making it seem like they aren't. I haven't been paying much attention to this until now, but I'm having trouble finding out what it is that they are actually worried about other than free-market competition. All they are saying is that they'll leave OK if it passes, which I'm not sure scares people as much as they think.

[David]

Their campaign feels like its built on lies. The details of the resolution in question can be found at SJR 68 by Jolley, which in its current form is very simple:

SECTION 1. The Secretary of State shall refer to the people for
their approval or rejection, as and in the manner provided by law,
the repeal of Sections 1, 1.A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of
Article XXVIII.

SECTION 2. The Ballot Title for the proposed Constitutional
amendment as set forth in SECTION 1 of this resolution shall be in
the following form:

BALLOT TITLE
Legislative Referendum No. ____ State Question No. ____
THE GIST OF THE PROPOSITION IS AS FOLLOWS:
This measure repeals Sections 1, 1.A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and
10 of Article 28 of the Oklahoma Constitution.
SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED?
FOR THE PROPOSAL — YES _____________
AGAINST THE PROPOSAL — NO _____________

SECTION 3. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall,
immediately after the passage of this resolution, prepare and file
one copy thereof, including the Ballot Title set forth in SECTION 2
hereof, with the Secretary of State and one copy with the Attorney
General.

That particular article can be found at Article XXVIII, and I don't on first glance see how it does what they are saying. Are they maybe campaigning against a different bill and are simplifying their messaging?

[David]

Oh wait, now I see, I wasn't looking at the committee amended version.

[jerrywall]

This is something I brought up elsewhere. The 3.2 system benefits AB. Why? Because there are two sets of rules. For over 3.2 beer, there can't be shelf space purchases, special pricing, bulk pricing, etc. Right now, AB gets to make deals with retailers (IE - Wal-Mart) for the amount of space, merchandising, etc. If 3.2 beer is eliminated in Oklahoma, not only would they no longer get those rules, they also wouldn't be able to self distribute. So their profits would be hit directly, and god forbid they might not get their premium display and shelf space. They would be sharing shelf space with (gasp!) COOP and Mustang, and other such beers.

the current system protects and enables AB, so of course they oppose any changes. Especially ones which affect their pocket books. Nothing wrong with that, but it is about money.

[bchris02]

This is something I brought up elsewhere. The 3.2 system benefits AB. Why? Because there are two sets of rules. For over 3.2 beer, there can't be shelf space purchases, special pricing, bulk pricing, etc. Right now, AB gets to make deals with retailers (IE - Wal-Mart) for the amount of space, merchandising, etc. If 3.2 beer is eliminated in Oklahoma, not only would they no longer get those rules, they also wouldn't be able to self distribute. So their profits would be hit directly, and god forbid they might not get their premium display and shelf space. They would be sharing shelf space with (gasp!) COOP and Mustang, and other such beers.

the current system protects and enables AB, so of course they oppose any changes. Especially ones which affect their pocket books. Nothing wrong with that, but it is about money.

Do you think this opposition would be enough to kill the bill? Do you think AB would really leave the state or are they just saying that to try to scare voters?

I don't drink AB products, but most Oklahomans do. Yes, it may cut into their profits, but would they really pack up and leave the state altogether when their beer accounts for an overwhelming majority of beer sales in Oklahoma?