Oklahoma liquor laws

[SouthsideSooner]

False. SB424 and SB383 are still up for consideration. We're likely to see more initiative petitions too.

Really? I may be wrong but show me... Here's the current status of SJR68, show me SB383...

Bill Information

[Laramie]

Many of my relatives & friends who visit Oklahoma continue to laugh & scoff at the liquor laws of our state; below are samples of conversational concerns:

1. Have to purchase the stronger beer from the liquor stores--non refrigerated.
2. Can't purchase the mixers in liquor stores where you purchase liquor.
3. Can't purchase wine or strong beer in the grocery stores.

You hear comments about the frustration out-of-state visitors & guests have about these archaic laws.

Rather than attempt to explain the complicated history; it's best to simply 'smile' and maintain silence.

Twenty-two counties passed liquor by the drink back in 1985; 34 of Oklahoma's 77 counties currently restrict the sale of liquor by the drink every day of the week.

Could changes lead to increased tourism revenue:

April 2015: State legislature passes two popular Oklahoma liquor laws | FOX23

Let's hope Oklahoma can make some changes in 2016.

[Bunty]

34 of Oklahoma's 77 counties currently restrict the sale of liquor by the drink every day of the week.

I thought it was 24 or 25.

[barrettd]

Really? I may be wrong but show me... Here's the current status of SJR68, show me SB383...

Bill Information

Bill Information

[David]

Yeah, SB383 shows as still alive if you search last year's session or this years.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInf...3&Session=1500
http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInf...3&Session=1600

[jerrywall]

As for Texas having half the liquor stores per capita--- when wine and beer is available in grocery stores - who cares? Except liquor store owners - legal drug dealers - who want their monopoly ("turf"). Swine.

Yeah, I mean who cares about lowered availability and the loss of 3500 Oklahoma owned businesses and shifting that money to Wal-Mart, if it means we can pick up our drugs of choice with our baby formula? Right?

Who's the swine here?

[David]

Geeze, guys, turn the hostility down a notch. This isn't the politics subforum.

[checkthat]

Yeah, I mean who cares about lowered availability and the loss of 3500 Oklahoma owned businesses and shifting that money to Wal-Mart, if it means we can pick up our drugs of choice with our baby formula? Right?

Who's the swine here?

Rest assured that liquor stores still exist, and thrive, in states with much looser laws than Oklahoma. They can sell snacks, smokes, and mixers to help make additional revenue. Isn't competition and the free market a good thing?

[bradh]

Rest assured that liquor stores still exist, and thrive, in states with much looser laws than Oklahoma. They can sell snacks, smokes, and mixers to help make additional revenue. Isn't competition and the free market a good thing?

If they allowed more alcohol products in grocery, but didn't allow liqour stores to sell say what a Spec's can in Texas, that's downright BS and if I was a liqour store owner you're damn right I'd be bitching.

[Laramie]

Agree,

That's why we need to overhaul and fix the whole thing at one time; because if you don't, you'll see a lot of opposition. So, let's open Pandora's box to the free market.

Checkthat is on target:

Rest assured that liquor stores still exist, and thrive, in states with much looser laws than Oklahoma. They can sell snacks, smokes, and mixers to help make additional revenue. Isn't competition and the free market a good thing?

Can't do a phase in & fix, got to have all of the plumbing replaced or someone's commode will receive the bulk of the backup.

As bradh said:

...that's downright BS and if I was a liquor store owner you're damn right I'd be bitching.

[barrettd]

If they allowed more alcohol products in grocery, but didn't allow liqour stores to sell say what a Spec's can in Texas, that's downright BS and if I was a liqour store owner you're damn right I'd be bitching.

The proposed legislation will allow liquor stores to expand their inventory to non-liquor items, I believe up to 20% of their overall sales.

[jerrywall]

Rest assured that liquor stores still exist, and thrive, in states with much looser laws than Oklahoma. They can sell snacks, smokes, and mixers to help make additional revenue. Isn't competition and the free market a good thing?

Meh, to what end? To funnel more money to Wal-Mart and OnCue? Cause let's be realistic, that's what will happen. I mean, if Wal-Mart and the free market is so amazing, I hope to see no more bitching about their wages and tax incentives on this site.

There are many places in Texas where I have trouble finding quality liquor stores. I've been in other states with the same problem. Yeah, I could go into a grocery store, which has limited selection (you're not gonna find Midas Gold in an HEB), but you're not gonna convince me there's not a trade off. We can update laws without selling out to big corporations at the cost of our locally owned small businesses. This isn't a horsewhip scenario.

[jerrywall]

The proposed legislation will allow liquor stores to expand their inventory to non-liquor items, I believe up to 20% of their overall sales.

Now the bigger question is will they remove the single store ownership limit. Or allow liquor stores to be corporations or partnerships (I'm sure the owners would like that protection)? Or allow stores to take out loans for start up or inventory? Or allow stores to be open until 2am? The playing field isn't just unlevel between Wal-Mart and the individual stores... the stores don't even have uniforms, helmets, or the rulebook.

[bradh]

Now the bigger question is will they remove the single store ownership limit. Or allow liquor stores to be corporations or partnerships (I'm sure the owners would like that protection)? Or allow stores to take out loans for start up or inventory? Or allow stores to be open until 2am? The playing field isn't just unlevel between Wal-Mart and the individual stores... the stores don't even have uniforms, helmets, or the rulebook.

Jerry I understand where you are coming from, but outside of your owning more than one location gripe (I agree), the other points haven't stopped places like Spec's in Texas from being successful.

[jerrywall]

Jerry I understand where you are coming from, but outside of your owning more than one location gripe (I agree), the other points haven't stopped places like Spec's in Texas from being successful.

Specs is also a corporation. Large corporate chains are doing fine. It's the small retailer that is getting pushed out. As more towns have become wet in Texas, boundaries and territories have shifted. Wal-Mart is suing the state to get the rights to open liquor stores (that'll change things even more). Costco partnered with WB Liquors to get stores open at their locations (those folks won the lottery).

Centennial is the opposite story as Specs. 40 stores through north Texas, went bankrupt. Total Wine is taking over much of the liquor business in Texas as well (out of state corporation, opening up 30 or so stores over Texas). Goody Goody gets like 25% of the liquor business in Dallas.

Basically, the independent and small shops are disappearing in Texas. That can be a good or a bad thing. But the point is there are consequences.

I think there are changes that make sense, but some changes seem to be desired for the sake of change, or to try to put on over on the "drug dealing swine".

Sodasopa!

[bradh]

For the record, I have a very specific liqour store that I support and pass up 3 others that are closer/more convenient to frequent that store. Why? Service and selection. If I don't get that somewhere else, I'll keep supporting Wild Turkey.

[jerrywall]

For the record, I have a very specific liqour store that I support and pass up 3 others that are closer/more convenient to frequent that store. Why? Service and selection. If I don't get that somewhere else, I'll keep supporting Wild Turkey.

Ditto. However, consumers like us are the exception. There's a reason the 5 top selling beers in the US are Bud Light, Coors Light, Budweiser, Miller Light, and Natural Light. As everyone keeps pointing out, Wal-Mart, 7/11, et all won't carry the selection that liquor stores do. And the majority of consumers will just pick up what's at Wal-Mart. That should really help our young craft beer industry in Oklahoma.

[barrettd]

Now the bigger question is will they remove the single store ownership limit. Or allow liquor stores to be corporations or partnerships (I'm sure the owners would like that protection)? Or allow stores to take out loans for start up or inventory? Or allow stores to be open until 2am? The playing field isn't just unlevel between Wal-Mart and the individual stores... the stores don't even have uniforms, helmets, or the rulebook.

Some of these questions are answered in the bill.

[jerrywall]

And the answer is "no".

[zookeeper]

It's not like they're putting you out of business. It simply adds competition versus the state-protected turf you have now. This thread makes it easy to see who owns these stores.

[jerrywall]

And who is that?

[barrettd]

And the answer is "no".

Not necessarily. Liquor stores can be in business with corporations the way the bill reads. Liquor license owners can also participate in 2 stores, and there does not appear to be a limit on beer and wine license holders. This bill isn't about making liquor stores equal to grocery and convenience stores. If that's your concern, you'll be disappointed. The bill is about modernization. Liquor stores will have to up their game, and offer a reason for customers to continue to patronize them. I plan on continuing to patronize my liquor store, because I know they'll get more of the brands I like and continue to offer a solid product.

Most of the loudest opposition of this bill comes from folks who either haven't read the bill or are worried their liquor stores will be run out of business. There are plenty of liquor stores that could probably stand to be eliminated. If they can't find a way to compete in a new market, maybe they should close up shop.

[barrettd]

And the answer is "no".

Without trying to sound argumentative, what would your plan for modernization look like? I'm curious as to what changes you'd like to see, if any at all.

[jerrywall]

Not necessarily. Liquor stores can be in business with corporations the way the bill reads. Liquor license owners can also participate in 2 stores, and there does not appear to be a limit on beer and wine license holders. This bill isn't about making liquor stores equal to grocery and convenience stores. If that's your concern, you'll be disappointed. The bill is about modernization. Liquor stores will have to up their game, and offer a reason for customers to continue to patronize them. I plan on continuing to patronize my liquor store, because I know they'll get more of the brands I like and continue to offer a solid product.

I've read the bill repeatedly. I see nothing about allowing liquor stores to partner with corporations. The beer and wine license holders without limits (gee, how nice) are for Grocery stores and gas stations. It doesn't expand hours, so either a) there will be no beer available after 9pm, on Sundays, and on Holidays, or b) Beer and Wine license holders get more extra benefits. How is that modernization? What's the benefit to the state?

[jerrywall]

Without trying to sound argumentative, what would your plan for modernization look like? I'm curious as to what changes you'd like to see, if any at all.

I've covered that repeated in this thread, as recent as yesterday. But in summation, we should modernize by building up our base. And we should ask what the goals are for modernization. Is it just about increased availability and ease of access? Or is it about increasing variety, continuing to build our budding wine and craft beer industries, and such. I prefer the latter. Cold beer, single strength beer, in shop tastings, brewers being able to sell direct, growlers being filled and sold at stores, children able to enter liquor stores with parents, direct shipping of beers and wines from out of state, and such reforms would be significantly easier to pass, and build on the base we already have, and grow the industry.

Giving money to Wal-Mart to send back to Arkansas doesn't.