ALBANY— “Gov. David Paterson's proposal to allow the sale of wine in grocery stores is good for the economy and good for consumers,” said Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State.
“Allowing supermarkets and grocery stores to sell wine will create new markets for upstate and Long Island wineries and convenience for consumers,” added Adams. “In addition, the proposal will generate new revenue for the cash-strapped state.”
Thirty-five states already allow wine sales in grocery stores. New York is out of the mainstream under its current law which restricts wine sales to the state's 2,600 liquor stores compared to 19,000 grocery and convenience stores, according to The Business Council.
Gov. Paterson proposed allowing grocery and convenience stores that already sell beer to add wine sales in exchange for a paying a franchise fee as part of his Executive Budget.
-30-