Plan To Change Oklahoma Alcohol Laws Is Tabled

The Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A bill that would allow grocery and convenience stores to sell strong beer and wine is being put on hold while a task force studies the issue.

A bill by Republican state Sen. Clark Jolley would create a 13-member task force that would help draft a proposal to be presented to the Legislature next year.

The sale of strong beer and wine in grocery and convenience stores is supported by chambers of commerce and consumer groups who say Oklahoma's alcohol laws are antiquated. Opponents include alcohol retailers and distributors who say their business models depend on existing state alcohol laws.

Current law allows only low-point beer to be sold in grocery and convenience stores. Only liquor stores are allowed retail sales of strong beer or wine and the products cannot be refrigerated.