Bill proposes to tear down the liquor wall

A measure that would allow Floridians to mix vodka and veggies in their shopping carts — something prohibited for more than eight decades — sailed through a Senate committee on Thursday.

The Regulated Industries Committee, in a 9-1 vote, backed the latest proposal [SB 106] to repeal a Depression-era law requiring liquor stores and bars to be separated from groceries and other retail goods, commonly referred to as the “liquor wall.”

The proposal is intended by its sponsor, Miami Republican Anitere Flores, to give shoppers more convenience. The bill would allow hard spirits such as whiskey and rum to be sold alongside beer, wine and groceries in traditional supermarkets and other stores that sell groceries. The measure would also allow liquor stores to expand their grocery options.

The measure could be beneficial to some “big box” retailers. Meanwhile, lawmakers are looking to exclude some small gas stations and neighborhood convenience stores if the proposal becomes law.

The proposal, which has failed to advance in past sessions, pits retailers Wal-Mart and Target, both in favor of the repeal, against Lakeland-based shopping giant Publix and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits.

Sen. Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, said she doesn’t see the proposed change causing small independent liquor stores to go out of business, as they would continue to attract “niche” customers.

“It’s a whole different demographic,” Gibson said in voting for the proposal. “I go to [an] ABC (in Jacksonville). There is a Wal-Mart I can take the next exit to go to that has a [separate] liquor store there, but I go to that ABC because they have certain brands that I don’t believe that a WalMart will ever have.”

Sen. Keith Perry, a Gainesville Republican who cast the lone vote against the measure, said after the meeting he’s open to revisions in the bill but for now has concerns about access to alcohol by minors.

“I have teenage daughters, and I