MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – If Wisconsin grocers have their way, shoppers could bring in half-gallon glass jugs and fill them with fresh tap beer.
The jugs are known as “growlers,” and over a dozen other states let grocery stores sell the fresh beer for takeout.
The Wisconsin Grocers Association is seeking input from residents on the idea. It would expand the Class-“A” liquor licenses which allow grocers to sell pre-packaged beer and booze.
Martin Greenfield, the chief operating officer of Wisconsin’s Festival Foods stores, says the industry is moving toward growlers — and it would not be like having a tavern in a supermarket since all jugs would go home.
Joe Katchever of La Crosse’s Pearl Street Brewery tells WKBT-TV that growlers are more environmentally friendly. That’s because takeout shoppers don’t have six packs of bottles or cans to dispose of.
However, the La Crosse Tavern League says it would bring more competition to an already struggling industry.
League president Mike Brown says tap beer is the last exclusive thing they offer. In his words, “We are losing enough market shares every year, so we are just trying to protect the little bit we do have left.”
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
