‘Whiskey and Wheaties’ bill passes Florida House by 1 vote

The “Whiskey and Wheaties” bill, which would let grocery stores sell liquor alongside food, passed the Florida House by one vote.

HB 81, which passed 58-57, now heads to Gov. Rick Scott’s desk for his signature. It eliminates the state’s requirement that liquor stores be kept separate from grocery sales.

A deeply divided legislature debated the bill for hours Tuesday. Democrats and Republicans alike warned that passage could lead to increased alcoholism and a rise in theft at large chain stores such as Wal-Mart.

Supporters of the bill said those figures are a lot lower in states that don’t have the so-called “liquor wall” that Florida has.

This story was originally published April 26, 2017 at 2:12 PM with the headline "‘Whiskey and Wheaties’ bill passes Florida House by 1 vote."