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Newsletter : Archive published January 25, 2002 Selling Chardonnay with Cheerios© is not a good idea. For many, the tragedies of last September have re-awakened the awareness for quality of life issues. As we move into the 2002 legislative session, those representing some of the largest supermarket chains in the state will again attempt to sway lawmakers into thinking there won't be any problems if they are allowed to sell wine with the thousands of other products they offer. The grocers will contend that it would be more convenient for their customers. Maybe so. But along with any type of convenience come responsibilities and consequences. Adding wine displays to an environment frequented by thousands of individuals every day, many of which are underage youth and children, would open a gaping hole for illegal access and even abuse. The physical size of their buildings makes it inevitable. Many supermarkets are open 24-hours per day, operating with skeletal crews even during their peak hours. The malt beverage products they currently offer are accessible to all. Small signs with some purchase restrictions are placed on the displays. That's it. No locked cabinets to prohibit illegal access. No monitoring of the products after hours. Just a hope that the honor system will work. They will concentrate on making the arguments for carding everyone prior to the sale. What about on-premise consumption? It is common to see wrappers from food, and empty beverage containers strewn about by customers who like to "sample" as they shop. It would be interesting to know what the dollar amount for on-premise theft in a supermarket is. Adding wine, right out in the open, is just not a good idea no matter how well intentioned the grocers might actually be. Every law regulating the sale of beverage alcohol is in place for a reason. They work. Changing any part of any law to allow the sale of wine or any adult beverage in a grocery store is not a good idea. Wine is not food. It is alcohol. A controlled substance to be used in moderation by legal adults. The grocers would like you to think otherwise. Oppose the sale of wine in grocery stores. Contact your State Representative about House File 1205 Twin Cities: 651.296.2146 Elsewhere: 800.657.3550 Contact your State Senator about Senate File 1107 Twin Cities: 651.296.0504 Elsewhere: 888.234.1112 Online: www.leg.state.mn.us Provides general information and information on bills, legislators, and committees. |