A COALITION of South Australian-owned grocers want to sell alcohol in their stores.
They say the move would be a huge boost to the wine industry, the adelaidenow.com.au reports
Foodland and the Independent Grocers Association have approached the State Government and asked it to change existing liquor laws and let them sell bottled wine.
They argue that several other states already allow in-store liquor sales and the move would open up new markets for smaller SA wine makers who currently struggle to make sales to the two dominant supermarket chains.
Both Coles and Woolworths already have their own liquor store chains. They stock wine, champagne, beer, liqueurs and spirits.
These stores are often located adjacent to their supermarkets.
Foodland and IGA operators say the cost and bureaucracy of getting a "full-blown" licence is prohibitive and they have no business interest in stocking products other than quality SA bottled wine.
Business Services and Consumers Minister John Rau says the proposal is worthy of consideration and will release a discussion paper early in the new year seeking feedback on issues, including how to prevent sales to minors.
The move has attracted criticism it will increase under-age drinking.
Read more on adelaidenow.com.au
