Bill would let grocers sell wine, beer

Chase · #1 06-05-2009, 08:37 AM

Legislative battle brews as package stores oppose Viola's plan

By J.L. MILLER and DANIELLE VICKERY • The News Journal • June 5, 2009

DOVER -- In what would be a dramatic change to the package-store system that has remained almost unchanged since the end of Prohibition, Delawareans who want to pick up a bottle of Bordeaux to accompany their roast beef dinner will be able to get both at the same store if legislation introduced Thursday becomes law.

"Forty-five states and the District of Columbia allow at least beer and wine sales in their grocery stores, and I think it's time Delaware came into the 21st century," said Rep. John J. Viola, D-Newark, the bill's sponsor.

Join other Delawareans talking about this story on TalkDelaware.com

The bill has the potential to raise $10 million in its first year through the new class of alcohol license it would create -- a license with a one-time fee of $100,000 per store. There would be a biennial renewal fee of $5,000.

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Tracy · #2 06-05-2009, 08:39 AM

I'm sure liquor store owners aren't happy about this.

witchofthedogs · #3 06-05-2009, 08:40 AM

Is it necessary? What grocery store in this state doesn't have a liquor store right next door to it?

SCRAPPY · #4 06-05-2009, 08:40 AM

Sweet!!
That was one GREAT thing when I went out to California... Needed hamburgers, rolls, beer and Gin.. (My dad drinks that ish, not me...) Got it all in one stop..

Beautiful thing.....

Kid Lester · #5 06-05-2009, 08:40 AM

I'm all for convenience, but I really don't find it that hard to go to the liquor store. And I happen to like the folks that work in and run my favorite package places. I don't see how this could do anything but hurt those businesses.

I'd vote against this for just that reason.

It's not like we have state ABC stores that you have to go to in order to get liquor. Or like there's not a liquor store every 2 miles in this state.

Naomi · #6 06-05-2009, 08:41 AM

I often wondered why DE has not allowed this.

DEMOA · #7 06-05-2009, 08:41 AM

I sorta like how convenient private liquor stores are in DE. Sure beats the State Stores in PA!

witchofthedogs · #8 06-05-2009, 08:41 AM

And of course, we're the first ones in to comment on this... Kid, Scrap, Tracy and me.

Color me shocked.

*staggers away*
*curses hangover*

SCRAPPY · #9 06-05-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witchofthedogs

And of course, we're the first ones in to comment on this... Kid, Scrap, Tracy and me.

Color me shocked.

*staggers away*
*curses hangover*

But what suprises me is that you guys are against it...

Alcohol made more convenient for us alcohol lovers!!!

*tear in eye*

witchofthedogs · #10 06-05-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCRAPPY

But what suprises me is that you guys are against it...

Alcohol made more convenient for us alcohol lovers!!!

*tear in eye*

I spent many an hour, as a little girl, hanging out behind the counter of a local liquor store... My heart will always be for the store-owners, bro. Always.