Sunday wine sales go into effect at TN grocery stores

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - For the first time, Sunday wine sales are allowed at grocery stores across the state.

There was no rush down the aisles for Sunday wine at the Poplar Plaza Kroger store.

However, Sunday shoppers who were previously turned away are now pleased to learn about the new Tennessee law.

“Yea it was disappointing when they told me I can’t get it on Sunday, when you’re looking forward to a nice glass of wine with your dinner,” said Ekin Huddleston, shopper.

The law allows grocery stores to sell wine on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on certain holidays.

Many shoppers said the new law is accommodating.

“We get up very early on Sunday to beat the crowds, so it’s extremely convenient to be able to stop and pick up a bottle of wine,” said Darletta Newson, shopper.

Because Sunday wine sales in grocery stores are just getting started, a lot of liquor store owners feel it is too soon to gauge the competition.

However, Kimbrough Wine & Spirits said that their wine sales on Sunday have been successful.

“We weren’t sure about it but after we opened on Sunday and started selling, Sunday has been one of our biggest days,” said Doug Ketchum, owner.

Liquor stores got a head start after a law passed last year allowing them to sell wine on Sundays, while grocery stores could not.

At Kimbrough, they have become crafty in order to keep customers coming through the door.

“We decided to start doing wine tasting on Sundays from 1-5 and we set out a little tray of hors d’oeuvres and meats and cheeses and things like that to sample the wine with to get a chance to try something new without having to buy it,” said Ketchum.

Still, there are liquor store owners who are skeptical about Sunday sales. Many are concerned about staffing stores 7-days a week.

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