Bill expanding wine sales narrowly fails in Arkansas House

     (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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