Advertisement Legislation could force major beer company to sell Oklahoma distribution centers Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A beer battle is brewing in Oklahoma as some beer companies and retailers are against a piece of legislation that cleared the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday.Senate Joint Resolution 58 would allow cold, high-point beer to be sold in grocery stores and convenient stores in the state.“It’s a response to the voters saying they want to have single-strength beer in Oklahoma,” said Sen. Clark Jolley, who is behind SJR 68.However, Bryan Kerr, president of the Oklahoma Retail Liquor Association, said the measure would put half of the state’s liquor stores out of business.The legislation also bans breweries from distributing their own product.Anheuser-Busch has two distribution centers in Oklahoma, one in Oklahoma City and another in Tulsa.If this bill passes, officials with Anheuser-Busch said they would have to sell both of those distribution centers.“It would change the career opportunities and jobs of our 700 employees today, coming under new ownership, that creates uncertainty,” said Eric James, senior sales and marketing manager for Anheuser-Busch.But Sen. Clark Jolley said the bill is not about putting anyone out of business. He simply wants to make sure all liquor laws are more current and on-par with other states.“There shouldn’t be any job losses," Jolley said. "In fact, I think you have seen, in many other states, the number of jobs have actually increased."Anheuser-Busch has created advertisements in opposition of SJR 68. The argument also is gaining momentum on Twitter as some people are using #StopClark to voice their opposition of the bill.“If they want to throw hashtags around with my name in it, that’s up to them,” Jolley said. “My goal is not to have Oklahoma consumers not be able to drink Budweiser, but my goal is to make sure that everyone has to play by the same rules.”If SJR 68 passes the Legislature, it would go to voters in November.