TX Grocery Stores' Fight For Liquor Sales Is Heating Up

In Texas, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is locked in a legal battle with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, a preview of future fights that could be on the horizon over liquor sales.

The Wall Street Journal reports that in the Texas case, Wal-Mart says the state's limitations on who can sell hard liquor are unconstitutional. Similar to Kansas, Texas has a rule that spirits and groceries can't be sold in the same store. Texas also prohibits public companies with more than 35 shareholders from selling spirits, and it says no company can hold more than five liquor stores unless permits for additional stores are bought from a blood relative.

Companies including Wal-Mart, Kroger Co. and Costco Wholesale Corp. are also pushing for changes to the law, both in Texas and in other states, including Kansas.

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