Nashville TN Jan 11 2013 Law enforcement agencies Wednesday spoke against allowing wine sales in grocery stores. The issue is once again up for debate on Capitol Hill.
Police officers, sheriffs and deputies from across Tennessee addressed the issue at the legislative office complex in Nashville.
Madison County Sheriff David Woolfork said that greater availability of wine would come at the price of public safety because it would draw the attention of law enforcement away from more pressing issues.
"At the end of the day, I think it's a pretty simple issue. They are working to de-regulate and make it more readily available. It's not something we support," said Belle Meade Police Chief Tim Eads.
Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch said a recent incident that led a fraternity to be banned from the University of Tennessee should dispel supporters' claims that underage drinkers aren't interested in obtaining wine.
In that case a 20-year-old student was hospitalized after a drinking game involving boxed wine that allegedly included consuming it through an enema.
Previous polls show overwhelming public support for wine sales in grocery stores.
If the measure is approved, wine could be sold alongside beer in grocery stores and convenience stores across Tennessee. The bill has repeatedly failed to pass in previous years.
Source:WSMV