NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — A growing coalition of bodega owners, grocery operators and business groups is backing a proposal to allow wine and liquor sales in New York bodegas and supermarkets, setting up another battle over the state’s alcohol laws.<\/p>\n
Assemblymember Amanda Septimo is set to appear Wednesday alongside bodega owners, grocery store operators and industry groups calling for changes to a law that currently limits wine and liquor sales to roughly 4,000 licensed liquor stores.<\/p>\n
Supporters argue the law is outdated and say consumers should be able to buy wine and spirits where they already shop for groceries and household items. The effort has attracted support from groups representing bodegas, supermarkets and other small retailers.<\/p>\n
Among those expected to attend are leaders from the United Bodegas of America, the Bodega & Small Business Group and the National Supermarket Association, along with Bronx bodega and grocery store owners.<\/p>\n
But any proposal to expand alcohol sales is likely to face opposition from independent liquor store owners, who have long argued that allowing supermarkets and bodegas to sell wine and liquor would threaten small, family-owned businesses that rely on those sales.<\/p>\n
The latest push comes as advocates seek renewed support in Albany for changes to New York’s alcohol marketplace, a debate that has resurfaced repeatedly over the years without producing a major overhaul of the state’s liquor laws.<\/p>\n
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