Finances

Our opponents like to say that allowing wine in food stores will put all liquor store jobs in jeopardy. That's just not true. Please contact your legislators about the facts and ask them to support this legislation.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am writing to ask that you support the sale of wine in food stores.
 
One thing that bothers me about the debate is this notion that all liquor store jobs are in jeopardy if this legislation passes. There are four solid arguments that counter this claim:

1. The liquor industry's financial expert testified his business will lose 15 percent of its revenue if he is not allowed to sell any other products to make up the difference. That estimate is far less than the catastrophic business closings his association is predicting.

2. There is not a single case where allowing food stores to sell wine has put all liquor stores out of business. Thirty-two states allow privately held liquor stores. Of those states, 19 allow wine sales in food stores. And all 19 states still have private liquor stores.

3. Liquor stores will still have spirits. This makes them the only destination for that product.

4. Food stores will sell a limited selection of wine. Which means liquor stores will continue to be the destination for consumers seeking advice (which is often an important part of the buying experience) or for quality wines that food stores don't carry.

I want to go back to a point I made earlier. Liquor stores will be disadvantaged if they cannot sell other products. The legislation presented opens the door for liquor stores to sell additional items to make up the difference and maybe even attract an entirely new clientele. This works in other states and would work in Tennessee. Who's to say liquor store owners won't make even more money by adding these new products?

Liquor store owners also bump against a ceiling. If a store is successful, they cannot open a second store. They get around this law by opening a second store in their spouse's name or a family member's name. I think it's unfair they cannot own multiple locations like other small businesses.

Here's the real problem. The liquor stores refuse to participate in the discussion. They are fond of saying the system isn't broken.

It's not broken -- for them.

I am telling you the system is broken for consumers like me.

And I hope you will do something about it.

Say that you support the change so that liquor stores have to come to the table. That's a step in the right direction for Tennessee.

P.S. The General Assembly will begin debating the budget soon. Allowing wine in food stores would generate more than $14 million annually for the state and more than $9 million annually for local governments. That's a lot of state jobs saved. These estimates come from the fiscal note for SB 120.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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