Insight Retail Software Blog

TULSA, Okla. – On October 1, Oklahoma finally will allow wine and full-strength beer to be sold from convenience stores and supermarkets, the Tulsa World reports. Nearly 60 years after Oklahoma was the final state to overturn Prohibition, high-point beer will be available at retailers outside liquor stores.

The new law specifies that those stores will be able to stock wine of up to 15% alcohol by volume and beer of up to 8.99%. Stores will be able to sell the alcohol seven days a week between 6:00 am and 2:00 am.

This change has been a long time coming to Oklahoma. Two years ago, more than 65% of voters approved the question that allowed for stronger beer sales at convenience stores, while also allowing liquor stores to sell cold beer and a small number of nonalcoholic items, such as corkscrews, mixers and ice. Liquor stores also received permission for expanded hours.

“We were losing out because we were in a very restrictive environment, and by modernizing our alcohol laws, you’re seeing a lot of economic growth,” said state Sen. Stephanie Bice, who sponsored the bills with Rep. Glen Mulready (R).

Currently, only two other states—Minnesota and Utah—have laws restricting the sale of beer and wine from convenience stores and supermarkets. Kansas recently approved a similar law to Oklahoma’s, which will go into effect next April, and Colorado will remove the low-beer restriction come January 2019.