Retail Liquor Association Plans To Challenge Change In Oklahoma Law

The president of the Retail Liquor Association of Oklahoma says the group plans to challenge voter approval of a constitutional amendment that overhauls state liquor laws.

Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly approved State Question 792 in Tuesday's general election. Under the proposal, grocery stores can sell wine and strong beer beginning in 2018 and the state will have permission to sell alcoholic beverages in state lodges.

Bryan Kerr, president of the retail liquor association and owner of Moore Liquor, said Wednesday the group plans to file a lawsuit to challenge the measure's passage. Kerr says a lot of the restrictions on package liquor stores will remain in place under the measure but will be lifted for grocery and convenience stores.

Kerr says the measure could force many retail liquor stores to close.