Bodegas and convenience stores in New York are joining major supermarket chains in a push to sell wine and liquor. A coalition of retailers—including Target and Wegmans—is urging lawmakers to change state law to allow the sales.
The group, called the Coalition to Expand Consumer Choice, argues that New York’s liquor laws, some dating to Prohibition, do not reflect the current alcohol industry. But some of the state’s independent liquor store owners oppose the proposed expansion, saying it could run them out of business.
Scott Berlew, manager of Liquor Square in Syracuse, said the push comes as his store is already struggling with declining sales and fewer younger customers in the Syracuse area…