State liquor laws loosening in July
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JACKSON, Tenn.- Liquor laws across the state are loosening up. Beginning July 1, liquor stores can begin to carry wine accessories, new non-alcoholic mixers and food. High gravity beer or beer with more than eight percent alcohol per volume is treated as liquor. The same taxes apply and it can only be sold in liquor stores. Low gravity beer, with about six percent alcohol per volume is only available at grocery and convenience stores until July 1. Michael Everitt, owner of Forked Vine Wine & Spirits, said stores could see some economic impact. He thinks the biggest difference will be customer convenience. “They can take care of everything they need from their adult beverage and party needs. If they’ve got a BBQ they don’t have to go to 3 places, they can just stop here,” he said. Not everyone agrees with the new laws. Leonard Van Ever opposes the new liquor store offerings and says the stores have enough customers and do not need to entice non-drinkers into their stores with the new inventory. “It might slightly help the economy but I think the cost culturally and morally it would hurt us more if we have that going on. I don’t think there’s a big need for it,” said Van Ever. Forked Vine Wine & Liquor does not plan on taking advantage of the ability to also sell tobacco. However, they do plan on establishing a growler bar for beer enthusiast. The new law also allows grocery stores to sell wine beginning in 2016, but it would be left up to a city or county election.
