New York lawmakers say a long-debated plan to allow wine sales in grocery stores won’t move forward this session, according to Spectrum News 1. Instead, they’re focusing on a smaller liquor law update to help bars and restaurants facing last-minute supply shortages.
The new bill would let eateries buy up to six bottles of liquor per week from local stores, a compromise that helped persuade major distributor Empire Merchants to drop its opposition. State Sen. James Skoufis said added safeguards should ease concerns, though Southern Glazer’s still objects.
While three-quarters of New Yorkers support supermarket wine sales, lawmakers fear quick changes could harm local liquor stores. The governor may revisit the idea in next year’s budget.
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