NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Election officials have certified that Memphis voters have submitted enough signatures for a November referendum on supermarket wine sales, raising the total number of communities holding a vote on the issue to 75.
Currently, wine can be sold only in liquor stores. But a state law that passed this year will allow it to be sold by grocery and convenience stores starting in July 2016 if citizens vote to approve the change.
Red White and Food, a coalition that lobbied for the change, said Tuesday that certifications this week in Chattanooga and Memphis brought the statewide total to 75. The submission deadline was Thursday. Only communities that currently allow package stores or liquor by the drink are eligible to hold votes.