Imagine the owner of a small clothing store asking the Legislature to make it impossible for Macy’s to sell clothes, or the owner of the small used-car lot asking for special legislation to keep the new-car dealer from selling used cars. While we can all be sympathetic about the David vs. Goliath nature of such battles, it would be absurd to ask government to get involved.
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Supermarket wine a vintage debate
Posted by DennisHetzelat 10/20/2008 10:12 PM EDT on Cincinnati.com |
Imagine the owner of a small clothing store asking the Legislature to make it impossible for Macy’s to sell clothes, or the owner of the small used-car lot asking for special legislation to keep the new-car dealer from selling used cars. While we can all be sympathetic about the David vs. Goliath nature of such battles, it would be absurd to ask government to get involved.
The nature of alcoholic beverages, though, changes the picture. Such is the case in Kentucky as liquor-store interests are trying to block legislative efforts that would allow supermarkets to sell winealongside beer in counties that allow alcoholic beverage sales.
The wine and spirit wholesalers and liquor store owners offer expected arguments. They talk about it being easier to buy booze in more outlets, exposing children to temptation. Now, there is something disingenuous about liquor interests as the guardians of keeping alcohol from children, so let’s set that argument aside. Why would the supermarket be any less diligent than the corner store? And there is no evidence that links grocery-store wine sales to greater problems in any of the majority of states that allow it.
The argument for expansion grows stronger when you consider an emerging success story in Kentucky agriculture. Did you know there already are about 50 operating wineries in Kentucky? Grapes represent a potential replacement for tobacco in parts of the state, including Northern Kentucky. Some of the state’s wineries already are overcoming stereotypes wine buffs might have about “Kentucky wine.” Expanded sales could put about $50 million a year into the coffers of cash-strapped state government. Meanwhile, the liquor stores will continue to be the only source of hard-liquor products.
I’m not suggesting “anything goes” with booze. It certainly feels like bad policy to allow hard liquor in supermarkets. But the arguments in favor of allowing wine alongside beer seem quite strong. Where would you draw the line?
More than anything, the opponents fear a loss of sales at liquor stores. It’s an understandable fear, but not a good enough reason for a government-protected monopoly. And I suspect many stores will find very effective ways to compete.