Rep. Wood Proposes Allowing Cheese Shops to Sell Wine and Beer

An announcement from the office of state Rep. Terry Wood, who represents parts of Darien and Norwalk in the General Assembly:

State Rep. Terrie Wood (R-141) has proposed a bill (HB 5349) that would create a wine and beer permit to allow cheese shops to sell limited amounts of wine and beer. The bill was inspired by Darien Cheese and Fine Foods owner, Ken Skovron. Both Wood and Skovron appeared before the General Law committee to testify in favor of the bill.

“This is a simple concept that would allow six small businesses in our state to sell limited amounts of wine and beer. Limited is a key word in this legislation,” said Rep. Terrie Wood.

“The cheese stores are not looking to compete with the local package stores in any way,” she said. “The wines and beers would be chosen to be paired with specific cheeses.”

During the General Law public hearing, many members of the committee were concerned about what exactly the definition of “limited” would be.

Ken Skovron noted other states who have passed similar bills and outlined limited based on how much retail space the beer and wine products would occupy. Skovron also noted why pairing the two together in his shop would be so beneficial.

“Other New England states such as Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts have laws that allow cheese stores to sell limited quantities of wine and beer and the results have proven to be very positive and not harmful to their bottle shops,” said Ken Skovron.

“At the moment I feel that the independent cheese shop has been placed at a competitive disadvantage. By allowing the limited sales of wine & beer in our shops we will have the equal opportunity to grow, expand and compete with stores that are already doing so.”

Rep. Wood originally proposed the bill in 2013. This year the legislative session convened on January 7th and will conclude on June 3rd.