10/28/2014
Dear Loyal Patrons,
Here are a few things to consider about the upcoming referendum on whether to allow wine sales in food stores:
First, the campaign being run by the large grocery stores wants the public to believe that this is a “wine in grocery stores” issue, however, if the measure passes, wine will be available at most corner convenience stores, drug stores and gas stations. The availability of wine will increase dramatically, and studies show that increased availability leads to higher incidences of alcohol related problems like sales to minors, DUI's and alcohol related automobile accidents. Ask yourself if the convenience is worth sacrificing public safety.
Second, the current system specifies that wine/liquor stores are only allowed single licenses (this means we are not allowed to open multiple locations) and licenses are only awarded to LOCAL residents. Therefore, the structure of the current law means that Shelby County liquor stores are small family businesses and that the owners reside in Shelby County; pay taxes here and spend their profits here. If passed, the profits gained by the large grocers like Kroger and Walmart would be shipped out of town to be spent elsewhere. The money you spend at Kroger doesn't spend 24 hours in Shelby County before being swept (daily) to corporate headquarters in Cincinnati.
Third, a vote for the measure will hurt jobs. Kroger has all the employees it needs for whatever is on their shelves. They won't hire any additional employees. However, the local wine/liquor stores will no doubt have to cut payroll in order to survive, assuming the store can survive.
Last but not least, the big grocery stores would have you believe that Tennessee is the only state in the US where wine cannot be sold in grocery stores. Having you believing that Tennessee is backwards. Friends, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many states that are set up the exact same way as Tennessee and for good reason. New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma & Minnesota are just a few of these states.
Thanks for your consideration, and if you're so inclined, please share this post so others can be informed. Don’t forget to vote against wine sales in grocery stores on November 4th.
