I plan to reintroduce Senate Bill 117 of the 2023-24 session, which will improve consumer access to wine and beer at grocery stores, restaurants and other alcohol retail locations.

Without changing any necessary restrictions on beer and wine licensing or adding licenses, this bill will allow restaurant licensees with a wine expanded permit the ability to sell wine and beer at any register, require ID card readers at these registers, and permit a sales clerk under the age of 18 to operate these registers except when alcohol would be purchased. If alcohol is to be purchased, an employee age 18 or over would then operate the register. In addition, the bill allows customers to access beer and wine within the main store area.

Customers currently can only purchase beer and wine within those dedicated sections of a grocery store or similar retail establishment. Customers wishing to purchase beer or wine as part of their larger shopping trip must check-out twice. This is inconvenient and unnecessary, and this legislation will allow businesses to offer a better shopping experience to their customers.

Co-sponsors of Senate Bill 117 were Senators Stefano and Yaw. I ask you to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.