The future of independently owned liquor stores in Brooklyn — and 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.
