Members of the Floridians for Fair Business Practices coalition urge Representatives
to pass SB 106 and repeal the Prohibition era Alcohol Separation Law
Members of Floridians for Fair Business Practices, a coalition of business leaders, free market organizations and Florida retailers, encourage members of the Florida House to vote yes on Senate Bill 106 during Wednesday’s floor vote. Sponsored by Representative Bryan Avila, the bill repeals an antiquated law which prohibits the sale of distilled spirits in the same location as beer, wine and other goods.
“The outdated ‘alcohol wall’ is the prime example of a costly, burdensome regulation which fails to demonstrate any benefit to public health and safety,” said Skylar Zander, Deputy State Director, Americans for Prosperity. “It’s time to empower consumer choices and advance entrepreneurship, and we urge the Florida House to pass this bill.”
“Consumers should decide what retailers stock on their shelves, not the government,” said Sal Nuzzo, Vice President of Policy, James Madison Institute. “The outdated alcohol separation policy must be reformed to advance and encourage competition, and we are hopeful the House will pass this free enterprise bill.”
“We support legislation to foster healthy competition for Florida’s retailers, while providing businesses with the tools to meet their customers’ evolving needs,” said Julio Fuentes, President and CEO, Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “The Senate has already signaled their support for leveling the playing field among retailers, and we encourage Representatives to follow suit.”
“The biggest threat to our industry is governmental overregulation, which is why we are advocating for a repeal of the Prohibition era liquor law,” said Richard Turner, General Counsel and Vice President of Government Relations, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “After nearly eight decades of red tape surrounding the sale of alcohol in grocery and big-box stores, it’s time to bring Florida into a modern era and embrace consumer convenience.”
“With online sales surpassing in-store revenue for the first time this year, brick and mortar retailers must adapt to new technology and provide consumers with the convenience they desire in order to remain profitable,” said Gina Kinchlow, Board Member, Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce. “Florida cannot continue to keep certain businesses out of the marketplace, and we ask Representatives to vote yes on SB 106 to ensure all retailers have the ability to compete.”
“This outdated law discourages competition and increases costs for all parties,” said Christian Camara, Southeast Region Director, R Street Institute. “I hope members of the House keep free market principles in mind when voting on this bill, and allow our great state to join 29 other states who allow businesses to flourish in today’s modern society.”
Floridians for Fair Business Practices is a coalition of retailers and business groups whose purpose is to identify rules and regulations, which prohibit the growth and expansion of Florida business. For additional information, please visit www.FairBizinFlorida.com.
