'Whiskey And Wheaties' Bill Heads To Governor

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (970 WFLA) - Florida lawmakers who supported the so-called 'Whiskey and Wheaties" bill can have a celebratory drink, after it narrowly passed the House by just a single vote.

And they can follow that drink with a chaser of cereal.

The law now heads to the governor's desk.

The bill allows big box stores like Target and Walmart to sell hard liquor within the main store, not just in a separate building like the current law requires. 

The law faced stiff opposition from groups concerned about the impact on young kids seeing liquor products in the same store as Rice Krispies, and on alcoholics having easier access to booze.

"Walmart wants the money," said Rep. Scott Plakon, a conservative Republican from the Orlando area.  "Are we going to use the power of our offices to give it to them?  I say we don't." 

But the vote was 58-57 in favor.  The Senate already approved the bill, so now Gov. Rick Scott will decide whether to sign it.

28 other states already allow liquor in the same store as groceries.


photo credit: Getty Images




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