OK: Local liquor stores begin preparing for new alcohol laws
By Emily Collins
October 10, 2017
OKLAHOMA CITY — In less than a year, new alcohol laws will begin brewing in Oklahoma.
The new laws, approved by voters in November, will take effect October 1, 2018. Dale Blackburn, owner of Grand Cru Wine & Spirits, is already installing coolers in preparation for the new laws.
“We’re going to be allowed refrigeration for the first time,” Blackburn said. “That means I can refrigerate any of the craft beer that I have now. I’ll also be able to refrigerate wine, which is a plus for many of us here.”
Another plus will be the sale non-alcoholic beverages and accessories. However, as with any change, Blackburn says he does have some concerns.
“We know we’re going to lose some of our volume,” Blackburn said. “We do quite a bit of wine in this store. That’s going to go over to the grocery stores, and to the convenience stores and pharmacies.”
Other liquor store owners, like Chase Sanders at Covell Wine & Liquor, don’t share that same concern. According to manager Sam Ashford, that’s simply due to the store’s location.
“Our location is kind of unique, and I think we have a very loyal customer base here,” Ashford said.
Covell Wine & Spirits is located off East Covell Road in Edmond, and it’s the only beverage retailer offering those living in nearby neighborhoods wine, beer and spirits. With this in mind, Ashford says Sanders went ahead and rented the retail space next door.
“We’re actually in the middle of taking out this wall and expanding and doubling our space to accommodate coolers on the back wall,” Ashford said.
Other concerns involve liquor distribution and in-store rules and regulations. This is why both Sanders and Blackburn hope state legislators take the time needed during this next legislative session to fine-tune the bills at hand before they become the law of the land.