Another state broadens wine sales in grocery stores

Another blow against restraint of trade is being struck. Not in sophisticated New York State, of course, but in folksy Arkansas.

A bill expanding the types of wine that Arkansas grocery stores can sell is on its way to the desk of Governor Asa Hutchinson after today's 18-14 vote in the state Senate to approve a measure changing the state law which currently only allows grocery stores to sell wines from small wineries.

More expansive selections of wine now are available only at liquor stores, so many have opposed the new legislation even though many consumer groups favor it.

The Senate, which approved an earlier version of the bill, also approved an amendment to the measure that would, among other things, allow liquor stores to sell "consumables and edible products" that complement beverages.

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• Go here to visit the Capital Region Brew Trail
• Go here to visit Notes On Napkins
• Go here to visit Dowd's New York Wines Notebook

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