Should grocery stores carry wine?

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Budget amendments from Governor Paterson would bring wine to the supermarket shelves of New York State as a revenue raiser for Albany.

But will the move put the mom and pop liquor stores out of business?

The Buffalo Common Council held a public hearing to get input on the Governor's plan to let supermarkets sell wine. The Governor says it would raise $162 million next year in a state franchise fee.

Some state wineries like the idea, saying it would expand their distribution to the public. Some argue that Paterson's bill will not only increase their distribution, but would create new jobs at state wineries.

One person commented, "I don't think anybody has really talked about the potential job growth for the wineries in New York State. We're talking about how many jobs we'll lose in liquor stores, it always, always comes down to that."

And that's why liquor store owners are mounting a protest. At the Midnight Liquor Store in Tonawanda, patrons are asked to sign a petition against the bill.

Owner of Midnight Liquor Marc Ressler said, "For more than 30 years, lawmakers have debated allowing wine to be sold in supermarkets and its always been voted down. But the state has never faced a budget deficit like this one."

Ressler is also Vice President of the State Liquor Association. He says the Paterson bill is a money grab by Albany that will hurt liquor retailers.

"It's shameful. This is overall a money grab," said Ressler.

Some of his customers agree.

One customer said, "I don't think it's such a good idea and I'll tell you why. See that gentleman over there? He helped me with the wine selection and you probably won't get that in a supermarket."

Last week the County Legislature passed a resolution against the sale of wine in supermarkets and the Common Council is expected to follow suit.