Markets seek a 2d crack at beer-and-wine debate

Last week, the Massachusetts Food Association took another shot at it by filing two ballot questions with state Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office, one that would allow food stores to sell wine and a second to allow grocery stores and supermarkets to sell beer and wine, under local control.

The news of a possible second round in the wine-and-beer retail battle is already sparking strong reaction from local merchants, wholesale liquor distributors, and residents.

“I think it’s a little ridiculous,’’ said Hong Nguyen, a member of the family-owned Franklin Beer & Wine in Quincy. “This made all small businesses like ours afraid last time and it didn’t even happen. Why do it again?’’

A different opinion prevailed directly across the street at the Sunshine Fruit Co. “Customers like one-stop shopping. If I am allowed to sell wine and beer, I will do it. Why not?’’ said Dinesh Patel, owner of the food market and five other local retail stores.

In Massachusetts, supermarkets need permission from their municipal government to sell beer and wine, and are not allowed to hold more than three permits in the state, limiting the number of chain grocery stores able to sell alcohol.

These restrictions create a real drawback for innovative breweries, said Joe Slesar, owner of Boston Beer Works, a restaurant and brewery with five sites from metro Boston to locations on the North and South shores, and Hingham Beer Works.

“I think change would be a positive thing,’’ said Slesar. Boston Beer Works distributes its beer to a couple of hundred package stores in Massachusetts.

“I’d like to expand the possibilities. I’d like to see our Bunker Bluebeery Ale, Boston Red, and Fenway Pale Ale at places like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. We really just got started doing distribution. But we can’t negotiate with the chains because right now that means we’re talking about selling our beer in, like, three stores in the state. Come on now, I think people like to have options.’’