We have more news on the vote that ended the momentum of the wine in grocery stores bill. State Representative Mike Sparks (Republican) who lives in Smyrna, told us he was one of the deciding “NO” votes. He said he believed if the bill passed, it would have hurt mom and pop businesses.
The issue that was being decided was to authorize local jurisdictions to hold a referendum authorizing the sale of wine in a “retail food store”. In other words, if the bill would have passed it would have allowed for voters to decide if they wanted wine in grocery stores in their community.
According to information about the financial impact on the bill proposal, if wine were sold in grocery stores it could add over $2-million in local revenue to the community.
Hear everything Rep. Sparks told WGNS:
HB0610 by Lundberg - LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE VOTE:
Recommended for passage - refer to: Finance, Ways & Means Committee 3/12/2013
Result: Failed
Ayes................................................7
Noes................................................8
Source: