Oklahoma Grocers, C-Stores Want to Sell Alcohol

Oklahoma businesses, lawmakers, and the alcohol industry are in discussions about changing a state law to let grocery stores sell strong beer and wine.

According to reports, grocery and convenience stores in the state currently can only sell low-point beer. Other alcoholic beverages, including wine, strong beer, and liquor must be bought at licensed liquor stores, bars, or restaurants.

Any major change in Oklahoma liquor laws would likely require a referendum, reports say, because several state alcohol provisions are part of the state Constitution. Not surprisingly, liquor stores and distributors that have benefited from the state's restrictions have lobbied against changing the law for years, saying it would hurt the local businesses that make up the state’s alcoholic beverage retailing industry.