“It will break the monopoly current liquor stores hold over wine sales.”
-various Luke Schmidt interviews
What Monopoly???
Grocers currently own and operate more than 40 package stores.
They have all of the same privileges as other package stores. They include Kroger, Remke, Meijer, Costco, and Sam’s Club/Walmart.
- Current laws allow grocery stores to have package licenses as long as they are accessed through a separate door.
- Current restrictions for all package stores:
1. Package stores must employ persons 20+ years of age
2. No minors allowed unless a parent is present
3. Premises closed during times when alcohol sales are prohibited
4. Abide by the current quota system for package licenses
The grocers want to keep their grocery privileges, but eliminate the package store limitations for themselves.
IF this legislation should this pass, grocery stores (and we believe eventually gas stations and small grocery stores) will:
1. Have unlimited numbers of wine licenses available
2. Close their regulated package stores so they can hire cheap underage workers
3. Allow minors to roam down alcohol aisle
4. Allow teen workers to sell wine
There are worse things than inconvenience.
