Is MS running out of liquor? Here’s why, what to know
Empty liquor shelves across Mississippi package stores and on-premise retailers reflect a widespread alcohol shortage as businesses await shipments from the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control, which reported a backlog of more than 172,000 cases as of April 12, according to the Department of Revenue.
The Magnolia State is one of 17 ABC states in the country, meaning government agencies control the sale of liquor — and sometimes wine and beer — at the wholesale level, according to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association.
The state’s only warehouse, where ABC manages the issuance of about 1,700 alcoholic beverage licenses, is located in South Madison County Industrial Park, according to the NABCA.
Here’s what to know about the shortage.
How did this happen?
The processing and distribution problems began when the ABC warehouse took a planned break to do inventory in January, Mississippi Today reported.
During that time, a new software management system was implemented that was not compatible with old infrastructure, Chris Graham, DOR commissioner, told the outlet.
The conveyor belts were removed, and a new system was implemented to continue deliveries, Graham said.
What comes next?
With persistent delays impacting business across the state, several stores — including three on the Mississippi Coast — have filed lawsuits targeting Ruan Transport, an Iowa-based contractor that runs the ABC warehouse, the Sun Herald reported.
In an effort to help ease the situation, lawmakers introduced an amendment to allow businesses with an alcohol permit to purchase items from legally authorized sellers in any state if ABC cannot provide their stock within five business days, but the amendment did not pass.
What should retailers do about missing or damaged orders?
Here’s what to do if you receive damaged product from ABC, according to the agency’s website:
- If it’s “wet,” call the company that made the delivery and process a damage claim
- If it’s “dry concealed damage,” contact the ABC Warehouse at (602) 856-1380, and they will provide credit for properly submitted claims
How many counties are dry in MS?
Mississippi has 34 counties that are completely dry for hard liquor and four counties that are “half” dry, according to the state’s DOR.
Thirty-six Mississippi counties are dry for beer and light wine sales, but have numerous municipalities within that are wet for beer sales, according to the agency.
