Wisc. governor nixes free shots of liquor at grocery stores
By The Associated Press Sunday, October 28, 2007MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsinites can forget about getting free shots of liquor at their local grocery store.
Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed that provision of the new state budget Friday before signing the new two-year spending plan at a ceremony at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s student union.
A provision slipped into the budget at the last minute would have allowed up to 1.5 ounces of liquor to be handed out for free.
“To me, it’s absurd that you walk into a grocery store and start taking shots,” Doyle said.
Free beer is still OK, though. Doyle signed a law earlier this year allowing stores to pass out sample brews.
Doyle also vetoed a new three-tiered distribution system for wine sold in the state, saying the system would have stifled the state’s small wineries, perhaps forcing them out of business.
The budget includes a $1 per pack increase in the cigarette tax, which takes effect Jan. 1.
The Legislature can override any of Doyle’s vetoes if two-thirds of both the Senate and Assembly agree.
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