Should grocery stores sell wine?

Package stores provide service, expertise

I wholeheartedly agree with Paul Choiniere’s Sunday column. Grocery stores do not need to sell wine.

The idea that big is better and all things under one roof is efficient was a good idea. But carried to excess, which is a major American trait, it has become a bad idea.

Our understaffed, warehouse size stores demand too much time and too much walking to find the things we are looking for.

All those independent stores that closed provided service, expertise, employment and most important tax revenues to our towns, reducing our dependence on our ever-increasing property taxes.

Our increased dependence on Amazon, et al has created mountains of wasted trees, increased transportation costs and pollution. Sadly it has fed instant gratification, which used to be a sign of immaturity.

I am old enough to remember the greater diversity and quality of products we used to have. Today we only get “best sellers.”

If we complain we get a minimally responsible employee trained to pacify, deny and deflect.

Hopefully, we will keep our many and diverse package stores. eva aldrich

Mystic

Let the market decide

I believe wine should be allowed to be sold in grocery stores as a convenience to the consumer.

While I acknowledge there may be an impact to package stores, I believe the forces of the free market should determine the final balance.

I believe some package store owners will refuse to expand their merchandise list to include more of the items they are allowed to sell by current legislation. In addition to spirits, beer and wine, the current legislation allows package store to sell: cigarettes and cigars, publications, bar utensils, fresh fruits, cheese & crackers, olives, non-alcoholic beverages, concentrates for preparing mixed drinks, beer and wine-making kits, ice, articles of clothing and lottery tickets.

I believe the owners who refuse to adapt will inevitably find it difficult to remain viable.

In my experience, having lived in 10 states thanks to my military career, Connecticut would eventually arrive at a balance whereby the grocery stores are going to sell “run-of-the-mill” wines and package stores are to going to sell both “run-of-the-mill wines” and “wines for wine aficionados.”

Chris Cooper

Niantic

Happy to be among the supposed 16%

I am happy to be among the supposed 16% opposed to wine sales in grocery stores as stated by Wayne Pesce, Connecticut Food Association, “Law puritanical and antiquated”) in, “Wine sales in grocery stores?,” (Feb. 15).

I am not convinced my percentage is not larger. I think the case made by Jean Cronin, Connecticut Package Stores Association, “Wine Debate: Convenience at what cost?,” (Feb. 15), is 100% valid. How many times are we brow beaten to “buy local”? We know what it means. Support local small business. Why? Because in the day of consolidation and big box stores our choices are limited, and in some cases quality is compromised. Small business entrepreneurship is a life blood of communities. It is sadly slowly disappearing in America.

Our local package stores are the proverbial mom and pop operations and it is important to support them. That is why I think the 16% opposed is a fictitious number by Mr. Pesce and the “convenience” is overrated. We really do know how to “buy local” don’t we? ted Genard

Uncasville

Sometimes a second trip is needed

As Connecticut residents we regularly buy wine at local supermarkets when in Florida and here is our take on the wine issue. Is it more convenient here in Florida to combine wine with groceries? You bet.

Upon returning to Groton, I always grumble when I must pick up wine after grocery shopping to go with the dinner we just bought. But the frozen blueberries do not tolerate delays well so sometimes it requires an inconvenient special trip to the package store.

The good thing about a package store, even though Connecticut is more expensive with everything, is that our local Groton package stores do often provide a better selection than an average Florida Walmart or Publix, and they generally can provide some friendly advice on a choice.

Plain old standalone liquor stores are scarce in Florida, so that indicates what competition does when allowed. The downside for Connecticut is price and convenience. But we simply adjust to where we are when in either state. Bruce Mcdermott

Groton

Wine is not a necessity

Most of the items sold at grocery stores are necessities. Wine is not. If one wishes to indulge in alcoholic beverages it should not be considered inconvenient to go to a package store, especially when you can call in an order and have it delivered to you curbside. What is going to be promoted next? Marijuana at the checkout? leonora J. szruba lisbon

Protect package stores

Wine sales should not be allowed in grocery stores. It is not harming them now not to be allowed and will harm the package stores if they approve sales in the grocery stores.

Patricia Calkins old lyme