HARTFORD, CONN(WTIC Radio)-A poll commissioned by the Connecticut Food Association found 84 percent support a proposal before state lawmakers to sell wine in grocery stores.
That’s a 12-percent increase in support from 2017.
“Consumers have made it clear that they want the option of picking up a bottle of wine when they are
shopping for groceries,” said Wayne Pesce, President of the Connecticut Food Association (CFA), which
represents the state’s supermarkets ranging from small family-owned businesses to larger regional grocery
chains. “An overwhelming majority of adult Connecticut grocery shoppers have told us they want the
convenience of one-stop shopping and time savings. This same majority of people who would like to
purchase wine in a grocery store cuts across age, gender, race, and political affiliation.”
Package stores oppose the measure, fearing the competition will reduce traffic and ultimately profits.
“As a small business we always take into account what our customers want,” said Molly Devanney, Vice
President at Highland Park Market. “Customers consistently ask us where the wine is located in our store.
People are seeking this availability and there is no reason not to provide it for people. We don’t presume to
have the expertise of our friends who own package stores, but we could carry some brands that customers
could pair with that night’s meal.”
The measure is before the General Law Committee.
Original article found at WTIC 1080.
