Presumably for the same reason that we extensively regulate alcohol transactions made with cash, despite them being sold in the same stores as food and normal beverages. The same can't be said of Coke.

Sure technically a lot of stores sell it, but I think there is a clear distinction between alcohol and almost anything else at the store given that it requires special permits, has age restrictions, and a lot of red tape surrounding it.

I feel like it is an easy argument to make to say, if you can safely make the assumption that it is a consumable item and any random grocery store would sell it. It should be covered. Alcohol (especially depending on the state you live in if they severely restrict licenses) does not fit that category.