Oklahoma agency sees influx of applications for beer sales

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – An influx of applications to the agency that regulates Oklahoma’s alcohol sales could slow the start of expanded sales in the state.

The Oklahoman reports business applications are pouring in with Oct. 1 approaching. That’s the start date for a new law that will allow grocery and convenience stores to sell wine and beer stronger than 3.2 percent by volume.

State law currently allows the sale of wine and strong beer at liquor stores.

An Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission attorney says companies could start applying for licenses in October 2017, but only about 150 did then. Numbers have fluctuated since.

ABLE Chief Attorney Steven Barker says the agency is still processing some of 3,000 applications it has received but expects to get 1,000 more applications before October.