Wine at the Grocery? No, Say Legislators

by Harold Egeln (edit@brooklyneagle.net), published online 02-03-2010



They Want To Protect Local Liquor Stores

By Harold Egeln
Brooklyn Daily Eagle

BAY RIDGE/SHEEPSHEAD BAY – Two state lawmakers at opposite ends of the political spectrum united to bar a controversial proposal by Gov. David Paterson to permit the sale of wine in grocery stores, bodegas, delis, mini-marts and gas stations statewide.

The plan was floated a year ago and shot down after widespread opposition. This time it is called “a dangerous scheme, reckless idea, job killer and fiscal gimmick” by Democratic Assemblyman Steve Cymbrowitz of Sheepshead Bay, while Republican state Sen. Marty Golden of Bay Ridge also denounced the proposal.

“I guess the governor didn’t pay attention last year when liquor stores across the state from Brooklyn to Buffalo signed petitions, rallied and opposed this measure that would hurt business and would force many mom-and-pop liquor stores to close,” said Golden, a former Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue business leader.

“In these trying economic times, the last thing we should be doing is asking the small liquor stores to compete with large chain stores, supermarkets and others,” said Golden. “If this proposal is approved, it will only cause great suffering for these small stores that keep people employed, that participate and support community events, and that are truly a part of neighborhoods.”

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