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Newsletter : Archive published March 4, 2001 Simply put, the legislative proposal to sell intoxicating alcohol beverages (wine) in grocery stores is bad public policy. We live in a "world of cycles" and the wine in grocery proposal is a testament to that. Selling wine in grocery stores was a bad idea back in 1987, when the grocers last promoted the same legislation, based upon convenience. Since then there hasn't been any public outcry that alcohol is inconvenient to purchase. Earlier, wine in grocery was deemed a bad idea in 1974 when this initiative was also presented. Again with no public uprising about inconvenience. In fact, polls conducted during that same time showed just the opposite. 27 years later, in 2001, similar polls still indicate that the public believes our quality of life is better in Minnesota, thanks in part to our steadfast tradition of controlling alcohol sales. For years, Minnesotans have required alcohol retailers to be specialists, responsibly controlling the sale of liquor, beer and wine through specialized stores selling only beverage alcohol. The grocers have attempted to justify their proposal by pointing to other states that allow alcohol sales in grocery stores. They want Minnesota to be like Texas, where a police officer can not legally arrest the driver of a motor vehicle for an open-bottle offense, after a routine traffic stop. Or Louisiana, where it is illegal to drink while you drive, but the fine shall never be more than $50, with no court costs. Or even like Wisconsin, annually identified as one of the leading states with alcohol problems on its college campuses. Minnesota is not like any of those states. In fact, it is just the opposite. Last year, the Minnesota Legislature made it a felony to provide alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age. It also allowed for civil lawsuits to be brought against individuals giving alcohol to persons under 21, who in turn, harm another. Minnesota is the state where campus drinking by underage college students becomes front-page news, as witnessed by the recent tragedy at the University of Minnesota. For years, our members have been working with local and state officials seeking ways to limit youth access to alcohol - including wine. Our success is very evident when compared to other states. Minnesota is ranked 43rd for alcohol problems when compared to the other 49 states. Of those states having the most problems, seven of the top eight allow the sale of alcohol in grocery stores. This state-by-state comparison should come as no surprise to Minnesota citizens. It has been scientifically documented that an increased access to alcohol, as the grocers propose, only increases the opportunities for underage access and consumption problems. The grocers are trying to manipulate the public into believing their alleged code of conduct is adequate to ensure the responsible sale of intoxicating alcohol. Contrary to that, research shows that 3.2 percent beer outlets, including supermarkets, are the leading violators of compliance checks. In addition, late last year, two of the major grocery companies promoting this legislation were fined $272,000 for 328 violations of child labor laws. Will they be more responsible if alcohol is present? You decide. Finally, if a supermarket concludes that their customers really need the convenience of purchasing wine while grocery shopping, the solution is simple. Just follow the lead of Byerlys and Costco. Apply for a license and open a liquor store, attached to the supermarket. Current law allows for this, and we have no objection. The bottom line is clear. Minnesota's alcohol retailers only sell alcohol. It's all we do and as proven time and again, we do it well. This wheel is not broken. There is no legitimate grassroots movement by the public to change the current system. Make the smart choice. Support Minnesota's alcohol retailing tradition. Oppose the sale of wine in grocery stores. Jim Farrell Paul Kaspszak Help control the access of alcohol to teens. 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. |