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Library : Position Papers Why The Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Association Opposes Wine In Grocery Stores During the 2001 legislative session the members of the Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Association opposed the "wine in grocery stores" bill. As we lobbied the bill we were asked by legislators why we were opposed to a bill that addressed wine sales, not beer sales. That was not a difficult question to answer. Here's what we said: Public Safety State and local laws requiring that alcohol beverages be sold through exclusive liquor stores came about because the state was concerned about public safety. Exclusive liquor stores, both municipal and private, are more highly regulated than other retail outlets. They provide the highest degree of accountability for responsible sales. In addition, in recent years the state has heard a great deal of testimony about limited availability. Again, highly regulated exclusive liquor stores provide that limited availability. For example, both state and local law strictly regulate hours of sale for alcohol beverages. In addition, clerks making sales in liquor stores must be 18 years of age to legally sell alcohol beverages. Grocery stores would be hard?pressed to replace the high school age clerks in their stores with clerks 18 years and older. The Two Systems Presently Co-exist On An Even Playing Field Under current Minnesota statute, grocers can now have a retail liquor outlet. The outlet can be as close to the grocery store as the thickness of a glass partition or a fence, and a separate entrance. The outlet is an exclusive liquor store that provides the same high degree of concern for public safety as is provided by other exclusive liquor stores. Consumer Advantages In the exclusive liquor store, the consumer has the most important advantage available in today's global market - the advantage of choice. Approximately 14,000 wine, beer and liquor labels are registered with the Department of Public Safety Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement and are sold at retail through exclusive liquor stores. In addition, consumers purchasing alcohol beverages in liquor stores have the advantage of being waited on by knowledgeable clerks and owners who can advise them on purchases. Why Fix What Isn't Broken? We have an exceptional system for retailing alcohol beverages in Minnesota that provides:
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