Post by pavel on Mar 1, 2016 9:27:15 GMT -6
State senators are moving ahead legislation that would allow grocers to prepare for wine in their stores -- including a controversial new cap on liquor store owners in Tennessee -- even as lawmakers in the House of Representatives remain at a standstill over the proposal.
The measure would give grocers the opportunity to begin pre-ordering wine sales before the law’s July 1 enactment. Advocates for the legislation say it is necessary because it could take weeks, or even months, for wholesalers to fulfill their deliveries in light of the fact that so many stores are planning to sell wine.
The bill has proven contentious as lawmakers in both the House and Senate have attempted to eliminate a provision that would have placed a two-store limit on liquor retailers. Opponents of the measure argue it is an unfair practice that would not be allowed for any other industry.
Last week, the bill hit a roadblock in a House committee after it was amended to eliminate the caps, which opponents said was an attempt to protect locally owned stores. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Curry Todd, R-Collierville, disagreed and promptly withdrew the bill from consideration, causing concern that the House might not take action on the issue, which could lead to distribution delays.
Read more: www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2016/02/29/senate-approves-cap-liquor-store-owners/81121624/
The measure would give grocers the opportunity to begin pre-ordering wine sales before the law’s July 1 enactment. Advocates for the legislation say it is necessary because it could take weeks, or even months, for wholesalers to fulfill their deliveries in light of the fact that so many stores are planning to sell wine.
The bill has proven contentious as lawmakers in both the House and Senate have attempted to eliminate a provision that would have placed a two-store limit on liquor retailers. Opponents of the measure argue it is an unfair practice that would not be allowed for any other industry.
Last week, the bill hit a roadblock in a House committee after it was amended to eliminate the caps, which opponents said was an attempt to protect locally owned stores. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Curry Todd, R-Collierville, disagreed and promptly withdrew the bill from consideration, causing concern that the House might not take action on the issue, which could lead to distribution delays.
Read more: www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2016/02/29/senate-approves-cap-liquor-store-owners/81121624/