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Oklahoma governor signs bill to change liquor distribution

Posted at 2:13 PM, May 15, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-15 15:13:53-04

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Gov. Kevin Stitt has approved legislation intended to give smaller liquor stores more wholesale options.

Stitt signed the bill Monday. It requires top brands of wine and spirits to be sold to all of Oklahoma's alcohol wholesalers. Currently, manufacturers of wine and spirits can designate a single wholesaler to distribute their products.

The bill alters an initiative petition voters approved in 2016 allowing the sale of wine and strong beer in grocery and convenience stores and the sale of cold, strong beer in liquor stores. It went into effect in October.

The voter-approved measure also allowed wholesalers to gain sole distribution rights for specific brands, benefiting some of Oklahoma's 11 wholesalers. But Tulsa-based Boardwalk Distribution failed to secure the rights to distribute any of the top 100 brands.

Stitt tells The Oklahoman the new law won't affect consumers.

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