NYS lawmakers renew push for wine in supermarkets

Lawmakers in Albany have reintroduced a bill to allow wine to be sold in supermarkets in New York State. The bill pits small business owners against big retailers. It would amend the alcoholic beverage control law to establish grocery store wine licenses. Lawmakers call it a consumer convenience measure and revenue generator. The bill’s language was amended last year to place restrictions on new wine licenses within 500 feet of an establishment that already has a liquor license. The licenses would only be available to full-service grocery stores that are more than 4,000 square feet and already have a beer license.