New York State lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the sale of wine in grocery stores, reports ABC News. Currently, only liquor stores and wineries can sell wine with an alcohol content above six percent in the state, according to the New York State Liquor Authority.
The bill does not extend the ability to sell wines in convenience stores, gas stations, drug stores, or big box stores.
Sponsors of the bill proposed by New York State Assembly Banking Committee Chair Pamela Hunter and State Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger hope it will be passed before the legislative session ends on June 4.
"Consumers want the convenience of purchasing wine in grocery stores—where they buy their food and other beverages, such as beer. It's good for consumers, and it's good for a critical New York industry,” said Hunter.
There is much opposition from organizations that represent thousands of businesses in the beverage industry, including Empire Merchants, Metropolitan Package Store Association, New York State Beer Wholesales, and the New York State Liquor Store Association.
In a joint letter to the legislature, they wrote:
"Weakening the law to allow wine in grocery stores will devastate our small community businesses, increase underage drinking, contribute to premature deaths, and help Amazon/Whole Foods and other large multinational corporations in their effort to monopolize the wine & spirits market." Full Story
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