2257 Grand Island Blvd.
Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-3651
Fax: 716-773-3316
February 17, 2010
Governor David A. Paterson
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Dear Governor Paterson:
The Chamber of Commerce of Grand Island, New York Board of Directors’ voted unanimously to join in the fight against allowing wine to be sold in grocery and convenient stores on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at their monthly board meeting.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is organized for the purposes of advancing the economic, industrial, professional, cultural and civic welfare of Grand Island; to encourage the growth of existing industries and businesses, while giving all proper assistance to any new firms or individuals seeking to locate in Grand Island; to support all of these activities believed to be beneficial to the community and the area and, in general, to promote the welfare of all area citizens following always those policies intended to accomplish the greatest good for the greatest number.
If this becomes law, many small businesses will be forced to close their doors, costing the state thousands of valuable jobs. New York already leads the nation in job losses, and we can't imagine why the state would sanction a proposal that makes things worse.
Plus, this proposal would make it much easier for teenagers to get access to alcohol. New York wine sellers are small businesses whose licenses are revoked if they fail to prevent youth from purchasing alcohol. Grocery stores cannot manage this risk as effectively. New York would become like Florida, California and Texas, where wine is sold everywhere and where three times as many kids under 21 die each year from alcohol-related incidents.
Our state has felt enough pain. We urge you to act immediately to kill this proposal.
Sincerely,
______________________________
Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Chamber President, John L. Bonora
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