A coalition of neighborhood store owners, supermarket operators and business groups is backing a proposal to allow wine and spirits sales in New York bodegas and supermarkets, renewing a debate over the state’s alcohol retail restrictions.
The campaign seeks changes to rules that currently limit those sales to approximately 4,000 licensed liquor stores statewide, according to ABC7 New York. Supporters argue that shoppers should be able to purchase wine and spirits alongside groceries and household essentials.
State Assembly member Amanda Septimo was scheduled to join retailers and industry representatives on Wednesday to promote the effort. Groups supporting the campaign include United Bodegas of America, the Bodega & Small Business Group and the National Supermarket Association.
For participating retailers, the proposal would open a product category currently unavailable to their businesses. Advocates describe the existing restrictions as outdated and are seeking renewed support from state lawmakers in Albany.
Independent liquor store owners have long opposed expanding wine and spirits sales to supermarkets and bodegas. They argue that increased competition could divert revenue from small, family-owned shops that depend on those products.
The disagreement places competing retail interests at the center of the debate: neighborhood grocery stores seeking broader sales opportunities and specialist retailers concerned about the survival of their businesses.
Similar efforts have resurfaced repeatedly over the years without producing a major overhaul. The latest campaign remains a push for legislative change; it does not mean bodegas and supermarkets have received permission to begin selling wine and spirits.
