'Liquor Wall' Bill Ready For House Debate

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TALLHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) – After the Senate approved the proposal following a fierce debate, the House is ready to take up a bill to repeal a Prohibition-era law that prevents liquor from being sold alongside groceries and other retail goods.

The House is scheduled to consider the proposal (HB 81 and SB 106) during a floor session Wednesday. The 1934 law requires liquor to be sold in stand-alone stores.

The retailers Walmart and Target are lobbying for a repeal, as they seek to be able to sell liquor in their stores.

But Publix and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, which have stand-alone stores, oppose repeal.

Senators voted 21-17 on Thursday to approve their version of the bill – which has become known as the "liquor wall" bill. The House version has narrowly made it through committees.