Governor Signs Wine Bill Into Law
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JACKSON, Tenn.–Governor Bill Haslam signed a bill into law Thursday that allows wine in grocery stores. The controversial legislation allows cities and counties to vote to allow wine in supermarkets or not. Voters have mixed opinions. “I don’t think it’s a bad thing because folks that wants it are gonna get it regardless whether it’s in the grocery stores or in the liquor store,” Niecy Pearson said, of Jackson. “I don’t drink and I don’t believe in drinking,” William Taylor said, also of Jackson. The Madison County Election Commission says voters would have to petition to get it on the ballot. “That petition would have to include the names of registered voters equaling at least 10-percent of the number of people who live in the city of Jackson and voted in the last governor’s election,” said Madison County Administrator of Elections Kim Buckley. “It can only go on general election ballots, so the soonest that could happen would be November of 2014.” If wine in supermarkets makes it on a local ballot, some already know how they will vote. “For me, it’s okay,” Pearson said. “If I had my way about it, I’d do away with the beer and the wine,” Taylor said. The earliest wine could be sold in supermarkets and convenience stores would be the summer of 2016.
