Wis. Senate Approves Earlier Alcohol Sales

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Buying booze in the early morning hours would get a little bit easier under a bill passed by the Wisconsin state Senate.

The measure approved on a bipartisan 23-8 vote by the Senate on Thursday would allow grocery and liquor stores to sell beer, wine and other liquor starting at 6 a.m. Current law forbids alcohol sales at retail stores before 8 a.m.

The proposal has been sailing through the Legislature so far. It cleared the Assembly on Tuesday on a voice vote. It now heads to Gov. Scott Walker for his consideration.

The measure does not change the prohibition on selling liquor past 9 p.m. or beer past midnight. Local municipalities would be allowed to disallow the earlier sales in the morning if they wished.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)