Independent grocers push for wine sales in New York

File Source: Market Watch

The National Supermarket Association (NSA), representing independent grocers across New York, is calling on state lawmakers to modernize liquor laws and allow grocery stores to sell wine.

The group strongly rejects claims that the push is driven by large corporations, emphasizing that independent supermarkets—many of them small, family-owned businesses—are struggling to compete and need legislative change to survive.

“For decades, our supermarkets have served as the cornerstone of food access in New York’s underserved neighborhoods,” said Nelson Eusebio, NSA’s Director of Government Relations. “We are not corporate giants—we are small, family-owned businesses fighting to survive in an increasingly difficult market. Allowing grocery stores to sell wine is not just about fairness; it’s about ensuring the survival of the independent supermarkets that so many communities rely on.”

The NSA argues that the ban on wine sales in grocery stores is outdated and hurts consumers, local grocers, and New York’s wine industry. As independent supermarkets struggle with rising operating costs and increased competition from corporate chains and online retailers, they are being denied a key revenue opportunity that could help keep prices affordable and businesses afloat.

Public opinion overwhelmingly supports the change. A January 2025 Siena College Research Institute poll found that 78% of New Yorkers favor allowing grocery stores to sell wine, with strong support across all demographics and regions. The poll was commissioned by the Coalition to Expand Consumer Choice, of which the NSA is a member, but was conducted independently by Siena.

Critics of the proposal argue that it could hurt liquor stores, but the NSA points to data from over 40 states where grocery store wine sales are allowed, showing that liquor retailers continue to thrive. A report by John Dunham & Associates found that independent liquor stores in states with similar laws have remained successful by offering curated selections, craft spirits, and personalized service.

“New York’s laws around wine sales haven’t been updated in nearly a century, and it’s time for a real conversation about modernizing them in a way that benefits everyone—small business owners, consumers, and wineries alike,” said Senator Leroy Comrie. “New Yorkers, including here in Queens, overwhelmingly support the ability to buy wine where they buy their groceries, and our state’s winemakers deserve more opportunities to reach customers. This latest poll, conducted by one of the most trusted research institutions in the country, underscores the breadth of this support. This is a lifesaving reform that will support New York’s struggling wine industry and bolster small, independent grocers across Queens and the entire state. We should be working toward a fair solution that reflects today’s marketplace rather than preserving outdated policies that limit competition, stifle consumer choice and paralyze New York’s vineyards.”

Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman echoed the sentiment, calling the reform “common sense” and a win for both businesses and consumers. “Modernizing New York’s outdated liquor laws to allow wine sales in grocery stores is not just common sense—it’s a win for consumers, local businesses, and our state’s thriving wine industry,” she said. “This reform will make life more convenient for working families while providing a much-needed boost to New York’s vineyards and wineries, helping them flourish in a competitive market. It’s time for New York to join the majority of the country in embracing this practical and beneficial change.”

The NSA remains committed to advocating for policies that support independent supermarkets, promote food access, and strengthen neighborhood economies. With broad public support and economic benefits for small grocers and wineries alike, advocates say it’s time for New York lawmakers to act.