One of the chief complaints from proponents is that 36 states allow wine sales in food stores. Image courtesy Red White and Food

This year’s proposal to allow wine sales in supermarkets and corner stores derailed last week. But supporters still have hope their Sleeping Beauty could be revived.

Prince Charming would almost have to be Rep. Matthew Hill (R-Jonesborough), chairman of the House Local Government Committee. His “No” vote – a reversal from where he came down in the subcommittee – pulled the rug out from under giddy grocers who had gotten excited that this could be their year.

“It’s not up to me,” Hill says, pointing out that a motion to reconsider would need approval of the committee.

Hill doesn’t rule out a redo, but he says a lot would have to fall into place.

The reason he gives for his about-face was that committee members swiftly moved to cut off debate and take a vote without considering amendments.

“They’d have to allow us to be able to have the conversation and to have the debate and discussion,” Hill says. “The only way the debate and discussion can take place is if the committee members will allow it.”

However, there’s a feeling from supermarkets that the longer the debate and the more amendments that are added the less chance they have of passing their legislation after six years of trying.

The bill is still alive in the Senate, but the appetite to push forward appears to be waning.

“Unless and until Prince Charming wakes up Sleeping Beauty in the House, we really don’t need to go forward until that time,” said Sen. Doug Overby (R-Maryville) at a negotiating session between liquor retailers, supermarkets and convenience stores on Thursday.

A Historic Debate

It’s one of the perennial issues in Tennessee politics: who can sell alcohol and where. The debate dates back to liquor laws hashed out at the end of prohibition.

Tennessee is in the minority when it comes to wine in supermarkets. Thirty-six states allow wine sales in food stores. And while the issue seems cut and dry to the casual consumer, it’s high drama at the state capitol.

Grocery store managers from Kroger and Publix swarm, talking about convenience of buying wine along with milk and eggs as if it’s a civil right. Liquor store owners rail on the evil out-of-state corporations who run supermarket chains and how small business jobs are on the line.

“I’m sorry. It’s not about the inconvenience,” says Lee Nettles, who owns a wine and spirits shop in Smyrna. “I’m sorry. It’s about the almighty dollar. That’s why Publix wants it. That’s why we want it. Let’s just be honest about the situation.”

Reason for Regulation

Liquor stores are some of the most regulated retail establishments. But they argues that they accept the rules and hope that the lack of competition will make up for the hoops they have to jump through.

For example, state law bans selling anything but wine and liquor. They can’t carry beer or even corkscrews and drink mixers. The idea was that unless someone is of legal drinking age, they have no business being in the store, making it easier to police underage drinking.

Liquor stores are barred from having multiple locations. And their hours of operation are tightly controlled.

This year’s proposal was a little different than in years past. It allowed local referendums instead of a blanket state law allowing wine in grocery sales. This helped appease some of the legislature’s teetotalers.

Even if lawmakers aren’t totally against alcohol for moral or religious reasons, they believe if grocery stores can sell wine – which has a higher alcohol content than beer – then consumption will go up and there could be more alcohol-related incidents, such as DUIs or domestic disputes. The local referendums give lawmakers a way to vote yes without being seen as complicit in expanding alcohol sales.

But sponsors of the wine in supermarket push say it’s time for Tennessee to update old liquor laws. Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) points out that polls show people want wine on grocery store shelves.

“Our culture has changed.”