Governor Rick Scott has used his power of veto to kill a bill that would have allowed big box stores such as Wal-Mart and Target to sell liquor. Those spirits can only be sold at separate stores, or the same business separated by a wall.
Supporters of the "liquor wall bill" argued that customers want the convenience of buying their booze at the same place they get their groceries, and that changing the law would relax business regulations.
Opponents of the bill believe selling liquor in big box stores would make it easier for minors to buy or steal alcohol.
Kate Keillor, co-owner of Dagby's Spirits in Collier County, believes changing the law would have hurt her business, and quash her hopes of adding any more locations.
"I have five employees," Keillor said Wednesday. "I support my family. If (liquor) is on Aisle 5, do you really think they're going to add an employee to that? Probably not."
The bill, which passed both the state House and Senate, was vetoed by Governor Rick Scott. Wednesday, he indicated that personal experience may have played into his decision.
"I grew up in a family that...I've found members that struggled with alcoholism," Scott said.
