HARTFORD, CT - Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy has proposed a dramatic bill that would overhaul the sale of alcohol in the state, allowing convenience stores at gasoline stations to sell beer.

The proposal has met stiff resistance in the state Capitol, where package stores are fighting a potentially significant expansion of the number of state beer retailers.

Package store representatives and at least one legislator maintain allowing convenience stores to sell beer would threaten public safety for drivers who could then buy single cans of beers at gas stations at night. Additionally, they question whether the state has a sufficient number of inspectors to prevent alcohol sales to minors at gasoline stations across the state.

State officials project the bill could allow as many as 1,600 new beer outlets to open, though the New England Convenience Store Association estimated that only about 500 stores might apply for a license to sell beer, because of insurance costs commensurate with selling beer and wording in the law that restricts sale to stores of a certain minimum size.

Senator Edith Prague said selling beer at convenience stores carries too many potential problems for consumers and the state. "I think that is outrageous, especially if they sell gas,'' Prague said. "This bill, for me, is a total outrage ?" after all these years of us trying to curb drunk driving. ?? It concerns me that people driving in to get gas can run in and get a six-pack. The bill is a disaster.''

Barbara Koren, retail manager for a company that owns 24 convenience stores, dismissed talk that selling beer at convenience stores would lead to an increase in drunk driving. "Everyone drives to the package store ?" and they drive to me,'' Koren said.

Currently, a stand-alone convenience store in Connecticut can sell beer if it does not have gasoline pumps outside.