The debate over wine sales in New York grocery stores is heating up, with the New York State of Wine coalition claiming widespread public support for the change, while critics, including liquor store owners and advocacy groups, question the credibility of the Siena College Research Institute poll endorsing the move. The poll, conducted in late January, found that 80% of New Yorkers are in favor of allowing wine sales in supermarkets, sparking a contentious discussion in a state where such sales are currently prohibited in grocery stores.
Support and Criticism of Poll Results
Despite the poll results showing overwhelming public approval for the proposed change, critics have raised red flags about the survey methodology. The primary concern revolves around the funding source behind the poll, which was the New York State of Wine coalition—a group that includes major supermarket chains like Wegmans, ShopRite, Amazon-owned Whole Foods, and Stop & Shop. Critics argue that this financial tie raises questions about the poll’s objectivity and potential bias in favor of these corporate entities.
The Executive Director of the Metropolitan Package Store Association (Metro PSA), Michael Correra, representing liquor stores in Queens, pointed out that the poll’s funding source was not initially disclosed in the survey results. This lack of transparency has fueled skepticism about the accuracy and fairness of the poll, as opponents of the change insist that it may not truly reflect the sentiments of the general public, but rather the vested interests of major retail players.
Voices from the Opposition and Advocates
In response to the backlash, the New York State of Wine coalition and the National Supermarket Association (NSA) have staunchly defended the Siena poll’s findings. Nelson Eusebio, the NSA’s Director of Government Relations, emphasized that the survey represents the voices of small, independent businesses, rather than large corporations. Eusebio highlighted the challenges faced by family-owned supermarkets in an increasingly competitive market, underlining the need for grocery stores to sell wine as a means of ensuring their survival and relevance in local communities.
Henry Robins, speaking on behalf of the New York State of Wine coalition, vouched for the credibility of the Siena College Research Institute and its polling methodology. He stressed that regardless of who funded the poll, the results were obtained through rigorous and independent means, underscoring the importance of the survey in reflecting public sentiment accurately.
The coalition also argued that the push for wine sales in grocery stores is not solely driven by corporate interests but also by small, independent grocery stores that stand to benefit from the change. In areas like Queens, where local supermarkets are facing stiff competition from larger chains, allowing wine sales in grocery stores could level the playing field and offer these independent businesses a fighting chance in the market.
The Impact on Small Businesses
On the flip side, liquor store owners, many of whom operate family-run businesses, have expressed grave concerns about the potential consequences of legalizing wine sales in grocery stores. They argue that their livelihoods would be significantly impacted by the change, as liquor stores rely exclusively on alcohol sales for revenue, unlike supermarkets that offer a wide range of products. The fear of unfair competition from retail giants undercutting prices and eroding their customer base has left many small businesses apprehensive about their future.
Moreover, liquor store owners emphasize the personalized services, expertise, and community connections they provide, which could be compromised if wine sales are allowed in grocery stores. The longstanding relationships they have built with customers over the years may be at risk, as larger chains with greater resources could potentially drive them out of business, leaving a void in local neighborhoods.
The complexity of amending New York’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Law further clouds the future of this debate, as grocery stores have faced strong opposition from liquor stores in previous attempts to change the legislation. The ongoing tug-of-war between these stakeholders raises uncertainties about the timeline and feasibility of any potential law amendments, leaving the fate of wine sales in grocery stores hanging in the balance.
