ABC delivery woes: more shipments arriving, but shelves remain bare at many package stores
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Deliveries to package stores across the state are picking up, but the increased frequency has not been enough to make up for a backlog of missed shipments from the ABC warehouse.
Spillway Wine and Spirits owner Josh Sorrell said the ongoing delivery issues have left him explaining empty shelves to customers.
“We’re glad and happy just to have half a fifth of Jack Daniels on our shelves because some people don’t have that,” Sorrell said.
Sorrell said some customers have visited multiple stores before reaching his store.
“Sometimes we get the customer that’s coming in as we’re their 4th store and they’re glad to purchase anything when they get here because they’ve realized that nobody else is having it,” he said.
He said even loyal customers are being forced to buy alternatives to their favorites.
Legislative action still possible
Nearly two weeks after a hearing in which lawmakers questioned ABC officials, Rep. Trey Lamar said legislators are still monitoring the situation and receiving daily updates.
“We’ve been getting daily updates,” Lamar said. “Those numbers have continued, as they’ve been presented to me, continue to ramp up on a regular daily basis. Now, it’s not, I don’t believe it’s fixed by any stretch of the imagination.”
Lamar said legislative action remains an option and that bills addressing temporary solutions for the state’s businesses could be kept alive for consideration.
“I think all options are on the table, and if they continue to underperform, then quite simply, it’s my position, we need to let the businesses get their product really from anywhere that they can find it from. They can get it directly from the manufacturers or they can go across the state lines into Louisiana,” Lamar said.
Store owner turns to social media
Sorrell said he has been using his social media following to raise awareness about the situation and push for faster action.
“I mean, not pointing fingers, trying to blame anybody. What we need is solutions. And that’s why we need the head of state to step in and let’s get some solutions and let’s do it quickly. May’s not soon enough. And I’m not even confident that there will be a solution by May,” Sorrell said.
Sorrell feels like social media is currently his only avenue to apply pressure.
“What is my alternative? I can’t fire the distributor,” he said.
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