NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A proposal that would allow wine to be sold in retail stores in Tennessee has stalled in the Legislature.

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The measure sponsored by Sen. Bill Ketron, a Murfreesboro Republican, was deferred in the Senate State and Local Government Committee to allow more discussion.

Ketron said he plans to meet with leaders of both chambers and is considering sending the bill to a summer study committee.

"We need to look at all the issues," Ketron said.

Under the bill, an applicant would receive a "wine at food store" license from the alcoholic beverage commission if the retail store is located in a county or city that has authorized the sale of alcohol.

"It's all about consumer demand for us. We frequently hear the question, 'Why can't you sell wine?' or, 'Where's the wine in your store?'" said Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association Jarron Springer.

Opponents say the legislation would cause competition between retail stores and locally owned liquor businesses that could lose employment as a result.

"Kroger, Wal-Mart, Walgreens will not hire one employee to sell wine in their stores. I can absolutely guarantee you, we will lose employees," said liquor store owner Chip Christiansen.

But supporters believe the measure would keep patrons from crossing Tennessee borders to buy groceries because they can also purchase wine.

"Citizens are frustrated with the current system," said Jarron Springer, president of the Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association. "One of the frequently asked questions in our stores is where's the wine."

The companion bill has been retained in a House government committee since January.

Bill Popular Among Consumers

Though it's legal in Tennessee to buy beer at a grocery store, wine and spirits are off limits. Buying those beverages requires a trip to a liquor store.

"It's just an inconvenience. You have to go to two to three different places to buy liquor or beer," said shopper Bill Milliron.

The law being considered would allow grocery stores to get a license allowing them to sell wine only -- a measure that is popular among consumers.

"Personally, I think it's a brilliant idea. I don't know what the politics are here at the moment, but I think it would make it much easier for the day-to-day shopping to get everything in one shop. I would support the law," said customer Katrin Gray.

Across the country, 33 states already allow wine to be sold in grocery stores, including five of the eight states that border Tennessee. Representatives of the TGCSA said it's time.

"This is about consumer choice and competition and Tennessee catching up with 33 other states in the U.S. that allow this," said Springer.

The measure is opposed most by liquor lobbyists who believe such a move would hurt business at liquor stores.

The law change has already failed once due to heavy lobbying, and there's a good chance it could fail again this year.

Related Wine Shipping Bill Also Stalls

Also Tuesday, legislation was deferred that would allow direct shipping of wine to Tennessee residents who are at least 21 years old.

Winery owners said that would be a huge benefit to their business.

"One of the things that surprised me about this business was how many people do call us that have tasted our wine somewhere and want us to ship them some wine. The other thing that surprised me is how many people didn't know that we couldn't ship wine," said Joey Chessor of Grinder’s Switch Winery.

The measure sponsored by Sen. Paul Stanley would require containers to have a label that identifies "the contents as containing alcohol and stating that a signature of a person age 21 or older is required."

The big snag is whether or not it will make it easier for underage residents to get alcohol. Some said it would.

"We have concerns about being delivered and whether the age could be verified," said Dover Police Chief Kim Wallace.

Others disagreed.

"Fine wine does not fit the budget and the patience for a teenager," said Stanley.

The Memphis Republican said he wants to add language that would prevent underage drinking, but acknowledges the legislation may still be a tough sale.

"All good pieces of legislation that are complicated take a little time," he said. "It may take beyond this year."

The companion bill also stalled in a House government committee earlier this month.

Currently, 35 states allow out-of-state wine shipments.

CONTACT REPRESENTATIVES Rep. Bill Ketron Rep. Paul Stanley