While the 'wine sales in grocery store' issue is applicable to a larger area
than Minneapolis, the fact the Mpls City Council took a position on the
issue makes it a fair topic on this list. Hence, my second and last post on
the subject.
I think that there is plenty of support for wine sales in grocery stores,
both among mpls-issues list members and the general public... (it's not just
you and I Phyllis ;-)...it's just not a topic/issue that's real high on most
peoples' priority list. This is an issue being addressed in a bill at the
state legislature and to suggest that problem drinkers in a few
neighborhoods should influence state law to the detriment of responsible
adult consumers of legal age throughout Minnesota is ridiculous.
To Lisa McDonald's comments:
1. So what if 'the City has the highest rate of non-compliance on alcohol
checks on 3.2 beer at convenience stores.' If the business wants to sell
beer (or wine), it should comply with the law... otherwise fine them or take
the license away. Lax law enforcement of existing law has nothing to do
with this issue.
2. As to the 'grocery stores have plenty of profit margin' comment, it seems
to me that grocery stores have very slim profit margins. Try running a
small grocery store and competing with Cub, Rainbow and Lunds, to name a
few. Even the major grocers have very slim profit margins. I'd venture
there's more retail profit margin in most bottles of wine than in most
grocery items. Most grocers wouldn't stock a broad selection of wines
anyway- but the rushed, last minute grocery shopper could at least choose
from a few red, white and blush varieties without having to run/walk/drive
to another store during rush hour traffic. If a better selection is needed,
a trip to the liquor store remains an option. The liquor stores would still
have the monopoly on all liquor sales, and let's not forget that competition
is consumer-friendly. Don't believe everything the folks at Hennepin Lake
and Lowry Liquor tell you about how grocery sales of wine will run the
liquor stores out of business.
3. The liquor stores won't close due to wine sales in grocery stores. Most
people like to have a wide selection when choosing a wine... the liquor
stores will always have the broadest selection available.
4. As for Ms. McDonalds 'the liquor stores probably have the best
compliance rate with the City's liquor license compliance checks. They have
the most to lose so they make sure their clerks have training and card
everybody' argument, I suggest that existing laws be better enforced, rather
than restricting the rights of the many due to the perceived problems of the
few. If a grocer wants to sell wine/beer, he/she must be able to justify
the added cost associated with permits, and complying with the regulations--
just like the liquor store owner. The profit margin must support these
costs of doing business, and any fines associated with noncompliance.
Liquor store owners and their suppliers are simply trying to maintain their
business advantage by limiting competition and opposing the current 'wine
sales in grocery store' bill.
I urge lawmakers to support the 'wine sales in grocery store' legislation as
a consumer-friendly, convenience for responsible adults of legal age that
enjoy a glass of wine with their meal.
Michael Hohmann, Principal
Michael A. Hohmann and Co. (MAHCO)
4100 Ewing Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55410-1021
612-922-1490
http://www2.visi.com/mahco
~Market research, financial analysis, business plans and writing~
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of
> McDonald, Lisa M
> Sent: Monday, January 22, 2001 2:57 PM
> To: 'David Brauer'; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: [Mpls] wine sales at grocery stores
>
>
>
> On the issue of wine sales at grocery stores. Three things to consider.
> -One is that the City has the highest rate of non-compliance on
> alcohol checks on 3.2 beer at
> convenience stores.
> -Two is that grocery stores have plenty of profit margin as it is.
> But small businesses like Hennpin Lake and Lowry
> Liquors will be driven out of business if wine is offered in
> grocery stores. These are the kind of small businesses we all
> say we want in our community. Generally they are also local owners.
> So the money stays here.
> -Thirdly when you can only buy wine in grocery stores, and the small
> liquor stores close, you will
> see just how little selection you have left. The grocery stores will
> only carry a small amount of items that they know
> they can make a profit on.
> Finally the liquor stores probably have the best compliance rate with the
> City's liquor license compliance checks. They have the most to
> lose so they
> make sure their clerks have training and card everybody.
>
> Lisa McDonald
> Tenth Ward Council Member
>
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