A bill that would have allowed liquor in the supermarkets will not become a law in Florida.
- Whiskey and Wheaties bill vetoed
- Gov. Scott fears bill would hurt small businesses
- Would have allowed liquor on supermarket shelves
Gov. Rick Scott vetoed the so-called "Whiskey and Wheaties" bill Wednesday.
The bill would have allowed liquor sales at grocery stores, retailers and certain gas stations.
But Gov. Scott says after listening to stakeholders on both sides, he could not sign the bill.
"I have heard concerns as to how this bill could affect many small businesses across Florida," Scott wrote in the veto letter. "I was a small business owner and many locally owned businesses have told me how this bill will impact their families and their ability to create jobs."
The bill passed the Florida House and Senate with slim margins during the 2017 Legislative Session.
Supporters of the bill said the bill did not hurt independent liquor stores in other states with similar populations. Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have a similar law.
Wal-Mart and Target lobbyists have been pushing for the bill for years. Michael Corcoran, brother of House Speaker Richard Corcoran, lobbies for Wal-Mart.
But critics said the bill could lead to increased alcoholism, and also a rise in theft at large chain stores like Wal-Mart.
Independent liquor owners said they feared the bill would force them out of business. A third of independent liquor stores in Florida are in plazas with big box stores.
The governor's office received 7,516 phone calls, emails and letters opposing the bill compared to 1,174 in support.
Publix, which has stand-alone liquor stores, said it was against the bill because it would make it easier for minors to access alcohol.
It's Gov. Scott's first veto of this year's crop of bills.
- RELATED: Bills signed so far by Gov. Scott (.PDF)