Legislation Would Allow Spirits Sales in Grocery Stores
The Distilled Spirits Council today testified in favor of H.B. 81, legislation that would allow spirits sales in grocery stores, before the House Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee.
The legislation would allow spirits to be sold alongside wine and beer in grocery stores. Currently, retailers must segregate spirits into a side store, which is separated by a wall.
“There is no public benefit to treating spirits differently from beer and wine,” said Distilled Spirits Council Vice President Jay Hibbard. “Good government policy should encourage the public to consume any alcohol in moderation – not influence purchasing habits.
“A standard serving of spirits, wine and beer all contain the same amount of alcohol and should be treated equally in a retail setting. The House should vote to modernize and join the majority of states in the country in providing Florida consumers with one-stop shopping,” Hibbard concluded.
Twenty-seven states currently allow the sale of spirits, wine and beer in large retail locations such as grocery stores and big-box retailers.