Lawmakers discuss alcohol delivery bill
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- As southeast Wisconsin was pounded with some difficult weather today, lawmakers in Madison were circulating a bill that might keep some people off the roads.
Wisconsin, the drinking state? Maybe not. We're one of a few states that still outlaws local alcohol deliveries.
"There's only eight states in the country that are where we are," said State Senator Duey Stroebel (R) District 20
More than once, Wisconsin lawmakers have offered up a bill to allow local retailers to take online and phoned-in orders for alcohol, and then deliver the booze to homes or make it available for pickup outside in the store's parking lot.
"It would also allow you when you're doing your online grocery order or curbside pickup to get that six pack of beer or that bottle of wine along with your frozen peas and cheerios," said State Senator Kelda Roys (D) District 26.
Especially on a wintry day like this, it's something Rep. Lakeshia Myers says her constituents want.
"Exactly, who wants to go out and have to pick that up. You can get other groceries delivered, so this is just another commodity that should be able to be picked up," said Representative Lakeshia Myers (D) 12th Assembly District.
Similar legislation came before the state Senate and assembly during the pandemic and failed.
"You know there are thousands of websites and apps and places where you can join wine clubs and you can have beer of the month shipped to you, so this is already happening, but the question is why should Wisconsin businesses be disadvantages in doing that?" said State Senator Roys.
The Tavern League of Wisconsin fought back the last time alcohol deliveries came up. Today, telling us, "While we would welcome the ability to modernize the alcohol laws, modernization needs to come with strict adherence of the legal purchase of alcohol" and they don't want underage kids being able to buy it. Supporters say there are protections in place.
"Well ultimately when that human being makes that delivery, they will be face-to-face with the person that they're handing it to. I don't know how you can ask for much more than that," said State Senator Stroebel.
Any change to Wisconsin alcohol laws won't be quick. Next steps could include a public hearing, and assigning it to a committee, before being sent to the full assembly and Senate floor.