Push for wine in Mississippi grocery stores likely to be a debate again in 2026
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – You can buy wine alongside your groceries in 40 states. In Mississippi, you can only buy light wine with a low alcohol content at those stores.
Advocates for the change say it’s a matter of convenience, with a busy mom as an example.
“If we could allow wine in grocery stores, that would cut out a trip for her because she could pick up the wine when she goes in to get those ingredients for her dinner,” described consumer advocate Serena Flowers.
If this seems familiar, it’s because WLBT has been telling you about these efforts for years.
Senator Jeremy England thinks there is some momentum for this type of legislation.
“We’ve tried this for the last 10 years, said Sen. England. “Haven’t had success with that. But last year we passed the direct shipment bill so that people could get wine directly shipped to their homes… The consumer choice aspect of this has been a big thing that has pushed this legislation here lately.”
In the past, package stores have said the cheaper wines drive the revenue that allows them to offer a more unique selection.
They argue that putting wine in grocery stores would make it harder to maintain those offerings.
England thinks they could add another consideration.
“We only allow packaged liquor store owners to have one license currently in Mississippi,” mentioned England. “So, one thing that I would like to see us do is change that in this law and allow these packaged liquor stores to have more than one license so they can compete with the bigger chains and markets that will be coming in.”
Meanwhile, groups like Uncork the Sip are ramping up the social media efforts ahead of the legislative session.
“Why do we not have this?” Flowers asked. “And not only are we seeing it from the consumers that are current Mississippi residents, but people looking to move here.”
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