New York’s Liquor Stores Score Win with New Bill, But Grocers Suffer Again

Lawmakers in New York have made a decision on a recently-introduced bill, one which would've led to massive changes in the way the state handles alcohol consumption. A portion of the legislation was passed on Thursday, but certain other changes were not as popular among those who were casting votes.

These decisions prove to be a huge win for New York's liquor stores, but at the same time, appear to result in a loss for grocery stores in the state.

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New York Lawmakers Allow Liquor Stores Open Late; Wine at Grocery Stores Nixed

A story from ABC News 10 in Albany shared an update on a string of legislation that was introduced into the New York Senate that would've had a massive impact on the way wine, and alcohol in general, were treated in the state.

A win was scored by New York's liquor stores, as a bill was passed that allows the establishments open at 10 A.M. and close at 10 P.M. on Sundays. The report claims that Albany County will still uphold a 9PM closing time.

New York's grocery stores were not as lucky, however, as the bill to allow grocers to sell wine in their stores did not pass a vote. This is a huge loss for local area grocery stores, but should be considered another win for liquor stores, as Capital Region store owners had voiced their dislike for this possible change in the past.

As noted by News 10, the last step of this process is the signing of the bill into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, at which point consumers will begin to see changes in the operating times of liquor stores near us.

That said, we'll still be left whining about wine when we head to the grocery store, at least for now.