We support the petition drive by a group of Oklahomans to get on the ballot a measure to allow sales of wine and strong beer in grocery and convenience stores.

Oklahomans for Modern Laws said this week it will attempt to gather 200,000 signatures for a 2008 vote changing the state Constitution so the sales will be allowed. Presently, only liquor stores can sell wine and strong beer between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The stores must close on Sundays and holidays.

One of the arguments put forth by the initiative group is that higher-end grocers will be attracted to the state if they can sell wine and strong beer.

Liquor store owners are against the proposal, naturally, but laws should promote free enterprise, not protect special interests as the law does now.

Our present laws also seek to protect antiquated mores. We should be concerned about alcohol abuse, but restrictions on liquor sales don’t address abuse. Again, they end up protecting special interest groups.

Last week, we also said Muskogee County should allow Sunday liquor sales just as they are allowed in Wagoner, Tulsa and Oklahoma counties.

The issue came up because the business of local restaurants and bars were hurt because New Year’s Eve fell on a Sunday this past holiday.

Unlike the issue of wine and strong beer sales in grocery stores, which is a constitutional issue, Sunday liquor sales are on a county-by-county basis.

Muskogee County commissioners could put the issue before voters, or voters could petition the county to do it.

We think Muskogee County commissioners should call for a vote, as petition drives are labor intensive and time consuming.

But that’s what a democracy is about, and if those who oppose the Sunday liquor ban feel strongly about it, they have the opportunity to make a change. If possible, the county liquor issue should appear at the same time as the statewide issue, if it comes to that.