High-point Budweiser products approved for Oklahoma
http://newsok.com/high-point-budweiser-products-approved-for-oklahoma/article/3883837
Published: September 17, 2013 by Nick Trougakos
Big news for Oklahomas beer industry came to light last night.
Liquor store owner Freddy Lamport passed along the news that high-point Budweiser products have been cleared for sale in Oklahoma.
That means higher-than-3.2% Budweiser, Shock Top, Rolling Rock and Black Crown could be available in liquor stores as early as November.
This move has sparked quite of bit of discussion among beer fans.
On the plus side, one theory is that getting high-point Bud in liquor stores could eventually lead to convenience stores/gas stations demanding they can get high-point Bud as well. In turn, that could lead to refrigeration being allowed at liquor stores. Once that happens, that could lead to convenience stores/gas stations carrying good craft beer. It could also lead to liquor stores being able to sell ice, soda, glasses and accessories like convenience stores can. In short, it could completely turn Oklahomas beer laws upside down.
In fact, the majority sentiment in beer social media circles seems to be that this is a good development for the beer consumer.
While I tend to agree, something about this makes me skeptical. Bud is not pushing this change for the benefit of the consumer.
Bud has an agenda here, and that agenda is making money.
Think of it this way: For years, craft brewers have complained that they cant get access to shelf space in grocery stores and tap handles at bars because the BMCs (Bud-Miller-Coors) of the world have squeezed them out with favorable distribution agreements and strong-arm tactics.
This move by Bud to gain access to liquor stores, to me, seems like an aggressive move by Bud to strike at craft beer on craft beers home turf. What makes me nervous is that Bud et al may try to swipe shelf space in the liquor store the same way they do in grocery stores.
If that happens remains to be seen. The key will be strong, beer-forward liquor store owners maintaining a good supply of quality, independent craft beer.
And just as importantly, consumers will speak in the end, and they will need to speak out in favor of craft beer. If thats that case, craft beer and BMC can exist in the same space. After all, that is exactly what is happening in many other states in the country.
Hopefully, if this move by Bud accomplishes anything, it will be moving Oklahoma closer to modern, progressive liquor laws.
http://newsok.com/high-point-budweiser-products-approved-for-oklahoma/article/3883837
Published: September 17, 2013 by Nick Trougakos
Big news for Oklahomas beer industry came to light last night.
Liquor store owner Freddy Lamport passed along the news that high-point Budweiser products have been cleared for sale in Oklahoma.
That means higher-than-3.2% Budweiser, Shock Top, Rolling Rock and Black Crown could be available in liquor stores as early as November.
This move has sparked quite of bit of discussion among beer fans.
On the plus side, one theory is that getting high-point Bud in liquor stores could eventually lead to convenience stores/gas stations demanding they can get high-point Bud as well. In turn, that could lead to refrigeration being allowed at liquor stores. Once that happens, that could lead to convenience stores/gas stations carrying good craft beer. It could also lead to liquor stores being able to sell ice, soda, glasses and accessories like convenience stores can. In short, it could completely turn Oklahomas beer laws upside down.
In fact, the majority sentiment in beer social media circles seems to be that this is a good development for the beer consumer.
While I tend to agree, something about this makes me skeptical. Bud is not pushing this change for the benefit of the consumer.
Bud has an agenda here, and that agenda is making money.
Think of it this way: For years, craft brewers have complained that they cant get access to shelf space in grocery stores and tap handles at bars because the BMCs (Bud-Miller-Coors) of the world have squeezed them out with favorable distribution agreements and strong-arm tactics.
This move by Bud to gain access to liquor stores, to me, seems like an aggressive move by Bud to strike at craft beer on craft beers home turf. What makes me nervous is that Bud et al may try to swipe shelf space in the liquor store the same way they do in grocery stores.
If that happens remains to be seen. The key will be strong, beer-forward liquor store owners maintaining a good supply of quality, independent craft beer.
And just as importantly, consumers will speak in the end, and they will need to speak out in favor of craft beer. If thats that case, craft beer and BMC can exist in the same space. After all, that is exactly what is happening in many other states in the country.
Hopefully, if this move by Bud accomplishes anything, it will be moving Oklahoma closer to modern, progressive liquor laws.