NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Senate State and Local Government Committee voted 5-4 earlier this week in favor of wine-in-grocery-stores legislation, KnoxNews reports.

The vote does not guarantee passage of the bill, but proponents hope it will persuade opponents to negotiate a compromise measure.

The Bill, SB837, would allow cities and counties that already allow liquor-by-the-drink and package liquor sales to hold a local referendum to consider whether to authorize wine sales in grocery stores. The bill needs to clear the Senate Finance Committee before going to the floor. Meanwhile, Rep. Jon Lundberg said he plans to push for a subcommittee vote next week, the first of four steps before the bill reaches the House floor.

Some liquor stores have recognized that growing support for the legislation may necessitate a compromise. Accordingly, some retailers, such as Brent Barnett, general manager of McScrooge€™s Wines and Spirits of Knoxville, have suggested that they be allowed to sell other products, ship and delivery products by mail, engage in growler sales of beer, accept coupons and stay open 365 days a year, among other practices that are currently prohibited.

"While we do not necessarily welcome change, we may be forced to accept it," wrote Barnett in a letter that he sent to committee members.

Jaron Springer, president of the Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association, said opponents of the legislation have, until now, "had no reason to compromise" because they believed a solid majority of lawmakers oppose wine sales in grocery stores. However, he and Lundberg both said Barnett€™s suggestions could be the basis of a compromise.

David McMahan, a lobbyist for the Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Association, said he was skeptical of a compromise bill, as the potential revenue loss to family businesses would be irreparably harmed should major retail chains start selling wine.