Michael Correra’ store
Photo courtesy of Michael Correra
The future of 600 independently owned liquor stores in Queens—and liquor stores across the state—could be in jeopardy if a senate bill that would permit supermarkets to sell wine were to become law.
The bill would allow grocery stores and supermarkets to obtain a license to sell wine on their premises, which opponents say could lead to a fierce price competition that could put the mom-and-pop stores out of business. Furthermore, it would cut into their existing sales.
Michael Correra, the head of Metropolitan Package Store Association, which represents over 3,300 independent liquor stores across the state, said that the legislation would cripple small stores and potentially put many people out of work. He also said that consumers are already able to get the wine they need and don’t need more stores offering it.
“We don’t need more wine available. It’s not necessary to have wine for purchase in multiple locations. You don’t need to take your kids to the grocery store and see a big display of wine for sale there. We have enough. There is a reason that the system we have now works,” he said.
Correra, who is also the owner of an independent liquor store in Brooklyn Heights, says the law would cut into his revenue– and potentially put him out of business.
“I’m only allowed to sell two products – wine and liquor. Wine is the most profitable and I make 80% of my sales from wine alone. If people go elsewhere to buy their wine, I may as well shut down my business, because I don’t see how I could make a profit then,” he said.
The 55-year-old has 11 employees, between part-time and full-time staff, and some of have been working for him for 15 years. He said he would struggle to pay them if this bill is passed.
“If wine is available in grocery stores, that isn’t going to generate new jobs in the community. It will only lead to a huge loss of jobs,” Correra said.
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