Some neighborhood liquor stores are appealing directly to their customers to help fight Governor Paterson's proposal to legalize wine sales in grocery stores.
Just recently, a poster appeared in the window of one of the city's oldest liquor stores, Scotto's Wine Cellar at 318 Court Street, from "The Last Store On Main Street," a coalition of small business advocates, local wine store owners and wholesalers. The coalition argues that wine sellers are "one of the last independent businesses" and that if Paterson's proposal were to become law, "small businesses in every corner of New York will be forced to close-costing the State hundreds of valuable jobs at a time when New Yorkers cannot afford any more job loss."
Further, the coalition claims, selling wine in grocery stores will give under-aged drinkers greater access to alcohol, resulting in a heightened risk of fatal drunk driving accidents.
Personally, I do not think that the service and advice of an independent wine merchant can be replaced by a supermarket, but I do understand the concern.
Not quite sure if the argument about easier access to liquor for teens is valid, though. Grocery stores have been selling beer for a long time and are used to proofing their customers. (Besides, I think that the legal drinking age should be lowered to 18.)
But we should support our local businesses. Times are tough enough for our merchants.
Please check out "The Last Store On Main Street's" web site and consider sending a letter to Governor Paterson here.
What do you think, dear Reader? Would allowing the sale of wine in supermarkets hurt local wine stores like Scotto's Wine Cellar, Smith& Vine and Vintage Cellar? Care to weigh in?
To Read More about Scotto and its history, click here.
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