Tom Wark Rips Oklahoma A New One

He does a very intriguing post-mortem on State Question 743. I think I agree with him but there are quite a few interesting disagreements in his comments section. It's a little old but still worth reading as I doubt we have heard the last of it. Be sure to read the whole thing. Sample:

The Ballot Measure, State Question 743, is among the most cynical referendums I've seen this election season. It was put in place for the purpose of protecting the profits of a small group of distributors, but publicized as a pro-winery law. If you have any doubt that the gallonage limit and the requirement that the wine only delivered in vehicles that are owned by the winery, are meant to restrict trade and protect the poweful alcohol wholesalers in Oklahoma, then read this little bit of information attributed to Brad Naifeh, a representative of Central Liquors, an important Oklahoma alcohol distributor, and OK representative Danny Morgan that wrote the proposed (and now passed) constitutional amendment:

"Brad Naifeh of Central Liquor cautioned lawmakers against the bill. Some large winemakers from other states, such as California's E&J Gallo, sell wines under hundreds of labels that produce less than 5,000 gallons per year, said Naifeh, and could use the proposed law to flood the market in Oklahoma without using a wholesaler.

Morgan said the bill requires both in-state and out-of-state wineries who sell directly to retailers in Oklahoma to transport their wines in vehicles owned by the winery, and requires such deliveries to be transferred directly from the winery to the retailer. Such vehicles must obtain the necessary licensure and permits from the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement agency. Morgan questioned if it would be cost-effective for an out- of-state winery to drive a few thousand gallons of wine all the way to Oklahoma."

This is a remarkably honest assessment