Wal-Mart Spokeswoman Laurie Smalling said consumers want the option of buying beer and wine at Fayetteville stores. Change font size

It's been 76 years since the 21st amendment repealed prohibition in the United States yet consumers and businesses are still fighting for the right to buy and sell alcohol.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. wants to sell beer and wine in its Fayetteville stores, but first it has to get permission from the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control board.

The retailer was recently denied permission to sell beer and small-farm wines in three stores due to an objection from Fayetteville Police Chief Greg Tabor and State Sen. Sue Madison, who both cited concerns over underage drinking.

Wal-Mart will seek an appeal from the board at its next meeting on Nov. 18.

Laurie Smalling, a spokeswoman for Wal-Mart, said the retailer is reacting to requests from consumers who said they would like to have the added convenience of buying beer and wine when they buy their groceries.

Wal-Mart waited to move forward until the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled in April that a Fayetteville Sam's Club could continue operating a liquor store adjacent to its retail operation.

That ruling opened the door for Wal-Mart and other retailers to begin applying for beer and wine permits.

Since August, seven convenience stores in Washington County have applied for permits as well as Target stores in Fayetteville and Fort Smith.

Wal-Mart has a proven track record of responsibly managing its alcohol sales in 35 stores in Arkansas, Smalling said.

Before an associate can sell beer or wine, they must score 100 percent in a computer-based learning course. There is also a training session on how to spot fake forms of identification.

If an associate sells alcohol to a minor, they are immediately terminated.

"We're very proud of what we have in place," Smalling said.

But even with strict guidelines, officials are concerned about increasing the availability of alcohol.

"I have no problem with adults consuming wine, beer or other alcoholic beverages," Madison said. "However, underage drinking is a serious problem for our area with so many college students.

[ Link to this article ]