Gubernatorial Candidates

The legislature is winding down, which means the gubernatorial campaigns will kick into hyperdrive. The major candidates wouldn't commit to supporting wine sales in food stores statewide in a Tennessee Newspaper Network poll. Let the candidates know where you stand on wine in food stores and encourage them to support the cause.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am writing to ask that you support an issue that 62 percent of Tennesseans favor. That's millions of Tennesseans who believe our great state is ready to make this particular change.

Tennessee wouldn't be the first state to adopt this change. More than 30 other states have done it.

Do you want to make a promise that millions of Tennesseans will enthusiastically applaud? Do you want to demonstrate your campaign is about progress and not politics as usual?

Then today, I am asking that you to support the sale of wine in retail food stores in Tennessee.

The Facts

Middle Tennessee State University polled Tennesseans in 2009 about statewide issues. Sixty-two percent said they support the sale of wine in food stores.

There is no correlation between alcohol arrests and availability. Studies of the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports show states allowing wine sales in food stores on average have lower alcohol offense rates per capita than states prohibiting wine in food stores. There is no proof that increased availability is a public safety threat.

Retail food stores require mandatory proof of age for all alcohol sales. The retail food industry advocated this change four years ago. Showing ID is the most effective deterrent to underage Tennesseans trying to buy alcohol. Liquor stores do not require the same mandatory proof of age.

The legislation before the Tennessee General Assembly would only allow wine sales in cities and localities where voters have approved retail package stores. It would not apply to every food store in the state.

Food stores would not be able to sell wine whenever they like. They would have to abide by the same hours of sales as liquor stores. Likewise, they would not be allowed to sell wine on Sundays.

Food stores would have to adhere to local rules about distance from schools, churches, etc. The legislation would not supersede local regulations.

Every major newspaper in Tennessee has written at least one, and often more than one, editorial in favor of the change.

The Opinions

The Tennessee Wine & Spirits Retailer Association claims this change would eliminate 2,000-3,000 jobs, which amounts to the industry's entire workforce. First, this change has never wiped out the entire private liquor stores in any state. Second, the financial expert for has testified before the General Assembly that his store will lose 15 percent of its business if this change occurs and his business is not allowed to sell additional items to make up the loss. That's far from 100 percent of his business.

The legislation has recommended that liquor store owners be allowed to sell other items associated with alcohol beverages. What else do their customers want to buy from them? There have to be some items that make up the 15 percent difference and perhaps improve the bottom line even more. The liquor store owners refuse to come to the table and discuss the issue.

The opposition argues allowing this change would increase teenagers' access to alcohol. The food store industry take underage sales and shoplifting very seriously. The Responsible Vendor Act is an enormous deterrent to teenagers trying to buy alcohol. And no industry invests in theft prevention like the food store industry.

The opposition claims this change benefits a few people. Sixty-two percent of Tennesseans is not a few people.

The Opportunity

No state has made this change since 1985. I believe, as do many others, this is a result of the powerful liquor lobby protecting its turf.

Supporting wine sales in food stores will demonstrate your commitment to doing what Tennesseans want even when confronted with a powerful lobby on other side. It is an opportunity right now to prove that your campaign stands for meaningful change.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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