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Panel delays bill on wine in supermarkets

Panel delays bill on wine in supermarkets

Posted: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 8:02 pm
By: NASHVILLE

NASHVILLE (AP) — Proponents of a measure that would allow supermarkets in Tennessee to sell wine say it will generate at least $14 million in tax revenue for the financially strapped state.
The proposal by Republican Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro was delayed two weeks in the Senate State and Local Government Committee on Tuesday.
Currently, grocery stores can’t sell wine, and liquor stores can’t sell beer.
Jarron Springer is president of the Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association. According to the Legislature’s Fiscal Review Committee, he says the sale of wine in supermarkets will generate about $20 million for both state and local governments.
Opponents, however, have raised concerns about the impact on existing liquor store owners or expanding the availability of alcohol.
Online:
Read SB0316/HB0406 at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov
Published in The Messenger 3.30.11