Florida Gov. Rick Scott vetoed a bill that would have allowed distilled spirits to be sold within grocery stores, rather than only in separate retail outlets.
The veto was a victory for ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Florida’s largest spirits retailer, as well as Publix Super Markets and independent package store owners. Publix operates a number of free-standing liquor stores in the same shopping centers as its grocery stores.
“I carefully reviewed this bill and I have met with stakeholders on both sides,” Scott said. “I listened closely to what they had to say and I understand that both positions have merit. Nevertheless, I have heard concerns as to how this bill could affect many small businesses across Florida. I was a small business owner and many locally owned businesses have told me how this bill will impact their families and their ability to create jobs.”
ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Chief Executive Officer and President Charles Bailes said the company applauded Scott “for saving hundreds of Florida small businesses that employ thousands of Floridians, while at the same time keeping safeguards in place for minors.”
And Rory Eggers, president, Florida Independent Spirits Association, thanked Scott, saying: “More than 1,000 letters and 3,000 petitions from around the state were delivered to the governor with the message that vetoing this bill would save our Florida small retailers and jobs that help our local economies.”