Mississippi liquor distribution backlog causes industry disruptions amid warehouse issues

Liquor store owners, restaurants, and the hospitality industry in Mississippi are facing shortages due to a backlog at the state-run warehouse in Gluckstadt. The warehouse, operated by the Mississippi Department of Revenue, has experienced delays caused by a conveyor belt software failure, according to state officials.

Rep. Kevin Horan, R-Grenada, described the situation as a “total mess” on the radio show Mornings with Richard Cross. He said the warehouse’s inability to process shipments has left retailers without products for the past month. The delays have prompted a hearing last week, where Department of Revenue Commissioner Chris Graham discussed the issues.

Graham explained that the contractor responsible for implementing a new conveyor belt system is no longer providing services, forcing employees to revert to manual loading. The department has hired new staff and is working around the clock to reduce the backlog. Officials hope that increased staffing will halve the delays within a month.

Despite these efforts, businesses are struggling to meet customer demand as shelves grow emptier. Horan criticized the lack of a contingency plan, saying the conveyor system was completely removed without adequate preparation. He questioned whether the $95 million allocated for the new warehouse was well spent, citing concerns over ongoing problems during the transition.

Lawmakers considered temporary solutions like allowing businesses to pick up orders or establishing a will-call system, but Graham said the warehouse lacks the capacity for such measures. Privatization has also been discussed, though opposition remains due to fears of losing more than $100 million in annual revenue.

Source: Original Article