Oklahoma Liquor Laws and Grocery stores

[BAPharmer]

As a continuation of a point brought up in a different thread - do Oklahoma's liquor laws keep some grocers - such as Whole Foods, Trader Joes, etc from expanding into the area. A similar discussion was on OKCTalk - with regards to Kroger's bid for Albertsons. It seems that many grocers do rely on their liquor sales for the bottom line - at least wine and broader selection of beers than at most OK groceries.

So, is this an example of "backward" laws that keep us from progressing?

As an aside, I would personally love to see H-E-B expand into Oklahoma - they have strong appeal and experience in the Hispanic communities of Texas and even have the more upscale appealing Central Markets as well. I know that their pharmacies are also cited as offering progressive services to the communities they serve. Don't know that they could pony up a bid for ALbertsons, but they could buy the Oklahoma locations!!

Food for thought...[]