NY Liquor Store Owners Mobilize Against Proposal for Wine Sales in Grocery Stores

Independent liquor and wine retailers in New York are fighting a legislative proposal that would allow wine to be sold in grocery stores, arguing it would "destroy" small businesses. Store owners report that wine typically accounts for 50% of their total revenue and that direct competition from major chains like Wegmans would lead to widespread closures. While consumers largely support the added convenience, the battle in Albany has become a defining test for the state’s legacy retail protection laws.