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Wine in grocery stores, WiGS, is a direct threat to the survival of small liquor stores across New York State. This legislation is being pushed by corporate interest at the expense of hard working business owners and local economies. We must stand together to protect small businesses and say NO to WiGS.

Read till the end for personal note/story.

1) Threat to Small Businesses:

WiGS will devastate mom-and-pop liquor stores, many of which have been staples in their communities for generations.

Small liquor stores, especially those in plazas with supermarkets, will struggle to compete with big chains that can undercut prices through bulk purchasing.

In states like Colorado, where WiGS has been implemented, small liquor stores reported significant drops in sales and closures.

2) Unfair Competition:

Supermarket chains have massive buying power, allowing them to offer lower prices that small liquor stores cannot match.

Many small liquor stores lack the physical space and resources to diversify their inventory to stay competitive.

The state has historically protected small businesses from predatory practices by larger corporations, WiGS threatens to reverse that protection.

3) Albany's Special Interests:

The push for WiGS is heavily influenced by money from major supermarket lobbyists and special interest groups.

Albany Democrats are pushing WIGS to appease large political action committees (PACs) and corporate donors rather than listening to the concerns of small business owners.

This legislation prioritizes corporate profits over the livelihoods of hardworking New Yorkers.

4) Public Safety Concerns:

Increased availability of wine in grocery stores could lead to more accessibility for underage individuals.

Liquor stores have stricter compliance measures and oversight compared to supermarkets.

The existing system works; beer is widely available in grocery stores, and wine should remain in dedicated outlets.

5) Economic Impact on Local Communities:

Small businesses contribute more to local economies, circulating money within the community rather than funneling profits to large corporations.

6) The Current System Works:

New York's current alcohol distribution model supports small businesses while ensuring responsible alcohol sales.

Liquor stores provide a valuable service and should not be undermined by unnecessary policy changes.

Take Action:

Contact your local legislators and urge them to oppose WiGS.

Support your local liquor stores by shopping small and spreading awareness.

Follow advocacy groups that are fighting to protect small businesses against corporate overreach.

AND SIGN THIS PETITION

Refrence

DiPietro, David. “Wine in Grocery Stores.” Received by B & B Liquor, Assemblyman David DiPietro WiGS. 

Personal Note:

I can't thank David DiPietro enough for what he is trying to do to support local wineries and businesses. He has all the facts and I will share them, but this is my personal plea. 

You cannot compare a shopping experience in a local liquor store to your shopping experience in Orlando. Wine in grocery stores would be devastating to local, large and small, family-owned businesses and their employees, salesmen from distributors and local wineries, the truck drivers, and local warehouses. That's an immediate local impact. The entire industry will be impacted.

Currently in New York State you can have one license to sell wine and liquor. How is that going to work with grocery stores? In New York State, you have to be at least 18 and be directly supervised by someone 21 or over to work there. Grocery stores hire at 14. 

Your local wine and liquor stores have a small, friendly, personal staff that is trained and educated to serve your specific needs. They provide a large selection geared towards their customer's specific needs and wants. Yes, grocery stores bring you local produce...from 2-3 farms. Your neighborhood liquor store brings you wine from across New York State, the country, the world, and every small winery in between. They also have the ability to reach out to smaller distributors and even smaller wineries to meet their customers' needs. Sacrificing all of that to grab a bottle of wine with your rotisserie chicken?

The State has offered the sale of ice and gift bags to compensate for sales lost.

By the way...the Fireball you buy at the grocery store and convenience store is not the same as what you buy at a liquor store...that was an argument I was seeing on lots of posts. My father has been in the business since 1991. He took a tiny liquor store and has made many financial and family sacrifices to grow that business, in an attempt to build something for his family to continue. My parents and customers talk about the days my grandmother was behind the counter in her retirement, speaking German with anyone that wanted. My grandpa was building and stocking shelves. My mother was behind the counter during college. They didn't have Facebook back then. Their wedding announcement and their children's birth announcements were proudly displayed behind the counter.

My father sponsored or donated to sports teams, fundraisers, schools, churches, and organizations for decades in our community. We are a part of your weddings, showers, graduations, and reunions. We know you by name. That really needs to count for something.  But it's not just my father, Rich. There are over 4,000 independently owned liquor stores and their employees across the state who have a similar story.

Please sign this petition and take a stand.

THANK YOU!