Liquor store owners continue to argue allowing grocery stores to sell wine, spirits would crush businesses

Liquor store owners across New York State are concerned about lawmakers moving on a proposal to allow wine to be sold in grocery stores.

Wegmans is in favor of the proposal, expressing that it aligns with their goal of providing convenience to consumers and supporting the New York wine industry.

Other states allow for wine to be sold in stores.

However, the argument has been made repeatedly that if New York allows these products to be sold in grocery stores that they will suffer the consequences.

Some liquor store owners say they could be forced out of business. Mostly because the profit margin for spirits is small compared to wine; and if they are selling less wine it would likely have a big impact on their bottom line.

It’s unclear how quickly lawmakers may act on this, but it’s possible that it become a priority for them in next year’s session.