First strong beer deliveries arrive in Oklahoma

Oklahoma beer distributors receive strong beer and new beer brands in preparation for Oct. 1 law change

The first deliveries of strong beer and new beer brands that will be sold cold in grocery, convenience and liquor stores on Oct. 1 have arrived at Oklahoma Beer Alliance distributor members across the state. New beer distribution laws went into effect on Sept. 1 so beer distributors and retailers could have cold, strong beer available for the start of beer modernization.

“As the new strong beer brands and varieties arrive in Oklahoma, Prohibition-era laws are officially on their way out,” said Lisette Barnes, president of the Oklahoma Beer Alliance. “Soon, the way Oklahomans have been buying beer for the past 59 years will finally change, and Oklahomans will have more convenience and selection of the high-quality cold, strong beers that they have been demanding.”

To make the transition from 3.2 beer to strong beer a smooth process, grocery and convenience stores could begin ordering strong beer, and beer distributors could begin delivering it on Sept. 1. Although, grocery and convenience stores cannot sell cold, strong beer until Oct. 1, many have already begun submitting orders so they will be ready by the end of the month.

“Retailers are carefully planning their transition to cold, strong beer,” said Barnes. “That’s why our distributor members are working so diligently to have the new brands and varieties available now so all of their retail partners can have the same great selection for customers.”

Alliance distributor members have been ramping up operations to serve more retail partners and distribute more beer brands than ever before. More than 30 new beer brands are coming into the state, including Breckenridge, Elysian, Golden Road, Karbach, as well as strong versions of current 3.2 beer varieties. Consumers can find these new brands and varieties at Alliance retail partner liquor stores now, and on Oct.1, at grocery and convenience stores.

“We’ve been tracking the strong beer shipments closely, and we’re excited to see the new brands and varieties come in,” said Jason Hall, senior director, Anheuser-Busch Sales of Oklahoma and treasurer of the Oklahoma Beer Alliance. “The past few months have been great because we hear the excitement of our retail partners, as well as their customers, and we know the larger selection will exceed everyone’s expectations.”