Grocery Store Liquor Aisles Could Be Coming To Florida

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Floridians may soon be able to pick up their favorite bottles of whiskey or rum while browsing the aisles at their local grocery stores. A bill that would make it legal for big box stores, grocers and others to sell liquor cleared the House on Wednesday.

The so-called “Whiskey and Wheaties” bill now officially heads to Gov. Rick Scott’s desk for a signature. If he signs the controversial measure, it will go into effect next year and be phased in over the course of three years. Beginning on July 1, 2018, retailers that sell groceries would be allowed to sell liquor and spirits in 25 percent of their stores in Florida. The percentage gradually rises to 75 by the year 2020. Retailers would still be required to obtain liquor licenses, which are limited on the county level.

The bill cleared the House on Wednesday by a single vote with the tally ending up at 58-57. It cleared the Senate in March also by a narrow margin at 21-17.

The bill has been pushed by retailers like Target and Walmart, but has not surprisingly been opposed by independent liquor stores and chains like ABC Fine Wine and Spirits. Publix has also come out against the measure, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Proponents of the bill say Florida’s law requiring that liquor be sold separately from other goods is outdated.

Rep. Bryan Avila told the Sentinel the bill simply removes a post-Prohibition-era law that was meant to “ease the sale of alcohol back into society.” That law, the Republican from Hialeah said, “has outlived its day.”

Whether Scott will agree remains to be seen. His office has said he intends to review the proposal.

To read the full text of the bill, visit the Florida Senate online.

What are your thoughts on the bill? Let us know by commenting below!

Photo by Brendan C via Flickr used under Creative Commons