As time begins to wane in the Legislative session, the Senate sent a resolution to the House in an effort to allow wine and strong beer sales in grocery and convenience stores. Senate Joint Resolution 68 would ask voters to make the choice this November.
The passage won the praise from two groups supporting SJR 68 and the effort to modernize Oklahoma’s liquor laws.
“SJR 68 is a broad-based, responsible modernization initiative that, if approved by voters, will update Oklahoma’s alcohol beverage laws in an equitable, safe and reasonable manner while protecting the proven independent distribution system. In addition, it will bring added tax revenue to the state treasury while providing expanded consumer choice and convenience, including within Oklahoma’s burgeoning craft beer segment. This will result in providing the type of sensible alcohol modernization Oklahomans have overwhelmingly stated they desire,” said Beer Distributors of Oklahoma President Brett Robinson.
“We’re one step closer to allowing Oklahomans to vote on modern beer and wine laws this November. The widespread support from today’s vote confirms our polling which shows the majority of Oklahomans want increased choice and convenience when it comes to beer and wine. Thank you to the Senate for its hard work on this complicated issue. We look forward to the measure being approved in the House soon,” said Tyler Moore with Oklahomans for Consumer Freedom.
The Retail Liquor Association of Oklahoma is working to get enough signatures for an initiative petition of its own for a different method to reach modernization. Its previous attempt was struck down by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
