NY State Grocery Store and Wine

NY is one of 15 states that limit wine sales to liquor stores but this proposed budget would open up these sales. Now I tried to talk to grocery stores today to get their take--but none were willing to go on camera.

New York state is considering allowing grocery stores to sell wine to generate an estimated $250 million in sate revenue. But what would this mean for local liquor stores like Pascale's?

"We would be immediately looking to negotiate with our landlord to cut space by 50% and cut third of our employees," said Brian Hughes, the owner of Pascale's Liquor store.

Hughes says statewide between 1000 and 13 hundred liquor stores would probably have to close . This means the loss of five to seven thousand jobs. He thinks those jobs were not be recouped.

"Grocery stores aren't going to hire more people they are going to use the same people they have stocking the shelves," said Hughes.

Last month governor Paterson put the state budget deficit at 8.2 billion dollars. the wine sales bill will not raise taxes--- instead the additional revenue will come from franchising and license fees. Hughes is also concerned about minor and drinking, if wine becomes available at grocery stores.


"Groceries account for 91% of sales to minors and all they ave is beer right now so you're going to give them an alcohol that's three to four times stronger," Hughes said.

"I think it would be convenient but probably easier access to those underage," said Barbra Serle, a customer at Pascale's liquor store.

Grocery stores becoming that one stop shop may be convenient for some but others see it differently.

"Going to become the home depot of wines you'll have people walking around aimlessly trying to find what they want," said Greg Ambier, and employee of Pascale's Liquor Store.

And Pascale's owner points out--grocery stores cannot offered the personalized service he can..
"I recommend pinot noir,"

The vote will come April 1st to decide if grocery stores will be adding wine to their shelves.

*Reported by N-C-C reporter Patrice Innocenti.