New York democrats push to allow wine sales in supermarkets
by Nicolas Dubina
Thu, June 5th 2025 at 7:44 PM
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York democrats and business leaders gathered at the state capital to advocate for a bill that could end the state's long-standing prohibition on wine sales in supermarkets. Since the 1930s, New Yorkers have been unable to purchase wine at supermarkets, a restriction still in place in only 10 states.
Joseph Alston, Director of Government Affairs for The Business Council of New York State, said, "This is literally a common sense bill, and it’s been a while. 1934. That’s a long time. The world has changed, and we're not in prohibition anymore."
The proposed state assembly bill introduced by Democrats would allow licensed supermarkets to sell wine in sealed containers, such as bottles and cans. The bill also includes measures to protect liquor store owners, who fear the change could negatively impact their sales.
Assemblymember Pam Hunter, representing the 128th District in Syracuse, explained, "We put in a 500-foot rule where an established grocery store cannot be in proximity of an established liquor store of 500 feet."
Some residents, like Butch, who did not provide a last name, expressed support for the bill. "Well it took them long enough. They’ve been doing it out west for years it’s a great idea, what took you so long?" he said.
Butch also addressed concerns about potential impacts on liquor stores, saying, "Well being a loyal customer here if they keep the prices it's not gonna hurt, because you know the grocery stores are gonna jack it up through the roof and it's going to be a convenience thing. So I don’t see a problem with that at all, none."
Mark, another resident who did not provide a last name, added, "It might but competition is good. They can start selling other things, coke, pepsi whatever."
Supermarkets argue the change will create new jobs. Nelson Eusebio, Director of Government Affairs for the National Supermarket Association, said, "We're going to hire more people at supermarkets. We’re going to hire more people to deliver the product. We’re going to hire more people to warehouse the product."
Democrats are pushing for a vote on the bill before the legislative session ends in a week. Liz Krueger, a New York State Senator from the 28th District in Manhattan, commented on the bill's prospects, "Never be confident until all the votes have been counted in Albany. But this is farther along than we have ever been before. And we amended the bill, so it addresses many many of the concerns that Pam and I were hearing from the industry, and businesses and consumers around the state."
The bill would also allow supermarkets to hold wine tastings, further expanding their offerings.