Booze bill fought at last call

Grocery and convenience store owners opposed to Sunday liquor sales are pressuring Gov. Bill Ritter to can a bill headed for his desk – or at the very least, allow the stores to sell full-strength beer.

Store advocates have met with a top Ritter aide, who was “very receptive and very understanding of the problem,” Sean Duffy, a spokesman for grocery chains, said Wednesday.

Lawmakers earlier this month approved Senate Bill 82, which would allow liquor stores to sell their wares on Sundays. It needs the signatures of legislative leadership and then the governor before taking effect July 1.

Opponents say expanding liquor sales will hurt convenience and grocery stores by ending demand for lower-alcohol beer on Sunday, the only kind they are allowed to sell.

Proponents argue that repealing the antiquated Blue law will bring convenience to booze buyers.

Senate and House leadership have so far blocked attempts by Duffy and his backers to introduce a new bill allowing groceries and convenience stores to sell full-strength brew.

Ritter’s office did not immediately return a call for comment.

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