(AP) – A measure that would expand wine sales in grocery
stores has narrowly failed in the Arkansas House, though the bill will likely be
brought up again this session.
The measure from Sen. Bart Hester of Cave Springs would allow grocery stores
to sell wine from all producers. Now, grocery stores can only sell wines from
small wineries and more expansive selections of wine are only available at
liquor stores.
Hester’s bill failed by three votes Monday, but a move was made to reconsider
the bill later.
The bill had gained support from Arkansas-based Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Opponents of the measure included liquor store owners, who argued that the
legislation could put them out of business.
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