A retail liquor group in Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking a ballot initiative passed by over 65 percent of voters that would allow wine and cold beer to be sold at grocery and convenience stores.
As KGOU reports, State Question 792 also would allow the sale of non-alcohol items at retail liquor stores and would eliminate any reference to 3.2-percent beer.
The Retail Liquor Association of Oklahoma (RLOA) is suing based on what RLOA President Bryan Kerr has said are provisions of SQ 792 that violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution and a provision of the Oklahoma Constitution that guarantees due process, KGOU reports.
According to RLAO’s website, the lawsuit would prevent the measure from taking effect on Oct. 1, 2018. RLAO states on the website that it supports the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores, but is against what it believes are hidden provisions in SQ 792 that would be detrimental to consumers and locally-owned businesses that would result in higher alcohol prices and an unfair marketplace.
The RLAO, according to its website, believes SQ 792 was a corporate-backed measure that would result in “constricted selection, higher prices and decreased public safety” in Oklahoma.
The RLAO also states that it intends to replace the aspects of SQ 792 with what it calls “sensible” updates to Oklahoma’s alcohol laws.
