Oklahomans for Modern Laws, a grassroots coalition aiming to modernize state beer and wine laws, today announced their initiative petition has officially been filed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. Their measure would call for a statewide vote this November.
If passed, the initiative will legalize the sale of cold, regular (above 3.2%) beer and wine in Oklahoma grocery and convenience stores with no limitation to the amount of licenses held. The measure would also call for:
- Regular strength beer will be sold at the same hours as low point beer (Mon-Sun; 6am-2am), and wine sales will continue to be offered at the same hours as retail package stores (Mon-Sat; 10am-9pm)
- Direct wine shipments will be allowed to any entity over 21 years of age
- Retail package stores will now be allowed to open on Memorial day, Labor day, and the 4th of July
- 5% of the new tax revenues will be given to state mental health
- “Growlers,” aka transfer containers, will be allowed to be sold at grocery and convenience stores
“Oklahoma is undergoing a renaissance, experiencing substantial growth and development statewide, but our antiquated, prohibition-era beer and wine laws are holding us back,” said Brian Howe, director of Oklahomans for Modern Laws. “We have been working toward modernizing Oklahoma’s beer and wine laws for the past 11 years, and the public is tired of waiting – the time has come to allow Oklahomans to vote on this long-awaited measure.”
Prior to getting on the ballot, Oklahomans for Modern Laws will need to collect approximately 123,000 signatures in support of the measure. To learn more about Oklahomans for Modern Laws visit OKmodernlaws.org.
