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Booze at the Grocery Store

February 25th, 2014 by flanews

A proposed legislation would allow you to grab a bottle of liquor on a routine trip to Walmart, but opponents are worried about how the change might give kids easy access to booze.

Florida’s liquor laws allow for beer and wine to be sold at supermarkets, but not the hard stuff. If new legislation is approved, places like Walmart and supermarkets will be able to put a booze aisle next to the produce.

“The biggest concern is access by minors, especially now as we’re moving into spring break,” said A.J. Smith.

Smith is a retired alcoholic beverage and tobacco enforcement officer. He says  even though booze is sold in big box stores in other states – it’s more dangerous here because of Florida’s spring break culture.

“Next month’s gonna start spring break and we’re going to see thousands of kids from all over the country here and we have them here all year round, too, because of the climate. I think our environment is a little bit different,” said Smith.

Big box stores can sell liquor, customers just have to go through a separate entrance to buy it.

The bills sponsors say the law is outdated.

“I think it’s antiquated, I think it’s common sense that a dividing wall in a store that’s under the same roof, is obviously not needed,” said Rep. Jimmie Smith, (R-Inverness).

Smith believes minors aren’t as inclined to go for hard liquor.

“You see anything in reference to alcohol and drinking for minors, it’s usually beer. If that was true, the wine wouldn’t be sold next to the beer as well,” he said.

Florida’s independent spirit association shrugged off the idea that this is about competition worries. The group says they already compete with supermarkets that have a separate liquor store entrance. Walmart is supporting the legislation for the change. The Florida Independent Spirits Association is worried that even though Walmart does card for alcohol sales, their younger cashiers won’t be as ready to spot a minor or fake ID.

Walmart responded with a statement from Lorenzo Lopez:

“Consumers want a more convenient shopping experience and are the driving force behind efforts modernize Florida’s adult beverage law. FISA’s claims are unfounded and an attempt to restrict competition and maintain the status quo. Based on our experience selling beer, wine and liquor within the store in 19 states, we can give customers added convenience while we continue to sell these products in a responsible manner. Our existing measures, systems and training which in many cases exceed those being offered by independent liquor retailers help ensure these products stay off-limits to minors.

“We look forward to continue working with other retailers and state lawmakers to reach a solution that expands consumer choice and convenience and levels the playing field for all grocery retailers across the state of Florida.”

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