Welcome to the voice of reason. If you are new to
this web site, bookmark it for easy reference. Use it as a tool to
clearly understand all of the implications that would come along with
"convenience" if the laws regulating the sale of beverage
alcohol in Minnesota were changed.
In their first proposal, the grocers assured everyone
they wanted to sell only wine, only in the metro area.
Next, they wanted access to sell throughout the entire
state. Then, they reduced the size of a qualifying store.
What's next? Strong Beer? In convenience stores? Who can
say?
SMART was developed to address alcohol-related issues, to be recognized as a voice of reason, and offer a forum of discussion for a common sense approach to the responsible use of beverage alcohol.
Convenience should never compromise our public safety. Retailers of beverage alcohol are trained to handle and sell this controlled substance. It's all they do. Selling alcohol is much different than selling cereal, soap and thousands of other items. Selling wine for "convenience" is a serious public safety issue.
What puzzles us most about this whole issue is that they can already sell wine! Byerly's, Costco and Sam's Clubs are perfect examples. The laws which govern how beverage alcohol is sold are in place for a reason. They work.
It is interesting that almost immediately
after they suffered defeat in a recent legislative session,
3.2% malt coolers by the pallet at a ridiculously low
price appeared in the grocer's aisles. Not to our surprise,
stacked right next to the candy and kid's items.
Wine with dinner? No way. Beer
is what the grocers really want. Prior to suffering defeat
in a recent legislative session, no supermarket had ever
devoted a full page, 4-color ad in both metropolitan dailies
to advertise the sale of malt beverages over a major holiday.
Throughout the state, cities with municipal beverage operations would lose valuable revenue. These dollars are especially vital as communities try to deal with state fiscal cutbacks. In addition, this legislation would negatively impact a municipality's tax base, by forcing small independently owned retailers to close their businesses.
It's not about "convenience" at all. If they were really talking about
convenience, why have the grocers drafted their bill to
exclude the smaller entrepreneurs and convenience stores?
It's not about convenience. It's about the supermarkets
wanting to add even more profit to their bottom lines.
Please make the smart choice. Don't change the laws
as they stand.
Convenience
at what price? That's the real issue. Students
from Osseo High School offer their interpretation
of what that price might be.
When asked
about the issue of selling wine in grocery
stores, both Governor Pawlenty and Mike Hatch
understand the ramifications and oppose the
idea.
The latest
poll results, plus WCCO reporter Bridgette
Bornstein visits a family-owned liquor store
with 45 years of experience in knowing who
doesn't belong in their store.
