Bill Would Allow NY Liquor Stores to Sell Non-Alcoholic Beverages

New York state Sen. Michelle Hinchey recently introduced a bill to allow wine and liquor stores and their distributors to sell non-alcoholic versions of alcoholic beverages, reports the New York Post.

“It’s incredibly important to us to support our liquor stores,” Hinchey said. “They are family owned, local small businesses that are on our main streets and this could be a new revenue stream for them.”

New York is one of 17 states that don't allow wine and liquor stores to sell non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits while also being one of 10 states that don't allow grocery stores to sell wine and liquor. With the bill, lawmakers endeavor to help struggling liquor stores facing sales stagnation.

Nelson Eusebio, head of government relations at the National Supermarket Association, said he is skeptical of the bill.

“It’s a fair trade provided that we get to sell the wine,” Eusebio said. “We would block their bill if they don’t allow us to get wine. They keep making a scene about us selling wine, so why would we give them even potato chips?”

Liquor store owners contend that their locations are the natural destination for non-alcoholic offerings, according to the report. Full Story