New York’s Independent Grocers Call for Wine Sales Legislation, Rejecting “Big Business” Narrative

New York’s Independent Grocers Call for Wine Sales Legislation, Rejecting “Big Business” Narrative

New York’s Independent Grocers Call for Wine Sales Legislation, Rejecting “Big Business” Narrative

78% of New Yorkers Support the Change—National Supermarket Association Urges Lawmakers to Back Community Grocers

Legislation Would Boost Small Grocers and Local Wineries, Bringing Significant Economic Benefits Statewide

Editor’s note: Staten Island’s own supermarket, ShopRite, owned by the Mannix family,  is a pillar of the island community.  Not only has this market been among the small few that ensures its ability to serve customers during every blackout and pre hurricane period (for as long as possible with multiple generators), they also make multiple donations each year to local food pantries, and they also host contests for their workers to increase their store’s donations to the same.  We will be reporting this weekend on another event at Shoprite where they are honored for their donations by Cheerios via General Mills. Supermarkets in New Jersey also face stringent rules regarding licensing, and the patchwork of regulations that varies from state to state came about after the end of Prohibition, with some states banning Supermarket sales completely. In New York, supermarkets can only sell beer, which is why in some instances (at least on Staten Island), there is a liquor store in the same complex or building as the supermarkets.  

The following letter from the National Supermarket Association (NSA) pushes back against the idea that all supermarkets are large chains or giant corporations. They’re pushing lawmakers to update state liquor laws and let grocery stores sell wine. The NSA strongly rejects the false narrative that this effort is driven by “giant corporations,” emphasizing that independent supermarkets are themselves small businesses that play a vital role in providing food access to working-class and immigrant communities. 

NEW YORK, NY – The National Supermarket Association (NSA), which represents independent, community-based supermarkets across New York, today issued an open letter urging lawmakers to modernize state liquor laws and allow grocery stores to sell wine. The NSA strongly rejects the false narrative that this effort is driven by “giant corporations,” emphasizing that independent supermarkets are themselves small businesses that play a vital role in providing food access to working-class and immigrant communities.

“For decades, our supermarkets have served as the cornerstone of food access in New York’s underserved neighborhoods,” said Nelson Eusebio, Director of Government Relations for the National Supermarket Association. “We are not corporate giants—we are small, family-owned businesses fighting to survive in an increasingly difficult market. Allowing grocery stores to sell wine is not just about fairness; it’s about ensuring the survival of the independent supermarkets that so many communities rely on.”

The NSA argues that the current prohibition on wine sales in grocery stores is an outdated policy that harms consumers, local grocers, and New York’s own wine industry. With operating costs rising and competition from corporate chains and online retailers increasing, independent grocers are being denied an important revenue opportunity that could help them remain competitive and keep prices affordable for customers.

A January 2025 poll from the highly respected Siena College Research Institute found that 78% of New Yorkers support allowing wine sales in grocery stores, with broad consensus across all demographics and regions of the state. The poll was commissioned by the Coalition to Expand Consumer Choice, of which the NSA is a member, and was conducted independently by Siena.

The NSA also refuted claims that allowing grocery stores to sell wine would hurt liquor stores, pointing out that in more than 40 states where wine sales are permitted in grocery stores, liquor retailers continue to thrive. A recent report by John Dunham & Associates examined other states that recently passed wine-in-grocery-stores legislation, finding that independent liquor stores continued to succeed by focusing on curated selections, craft spirits, and the personalized customer service many residents prefer.

Advertisement

“New York’s laws around wine sales haven’t been updated in nearly a century, and it’s time for a real conversation about modernizing them in a way that benefits everyone—small business owners, consumers, and wineries alike,” said Senator Leroy Comrie. “New Yorkers, including here in Queens, overwhelmingly support the ability to buy wine where they buy their groceries, and our state’s winemakers deserve more opportunities to reach customers. This latest poll, conducted by one of the most trusted research institutions in the country, underscores the breadth of this support. This is a lifesaving reform that will support New York’s struggling wine industry and bolster small, independent grocers across Queens and the entire state. We should be working toward a fair solution that reflects today’s marketplace rather than preserving outdated policies that limit competition, stifle consumer choice, and paralyze New York’s vineyards.”

“Modernizing New York’s outdated liquor laws to allow wine sales in grocery stores is not just common sense—it’s a win for consumers, local businesses, and our state’s thriving wine industry,” said Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman. “This reform will make life more convenient for working families while providing a much-needed boost to New York’s vineyards and wineries, helping them flourish in a competitive market. It’s time for New York to join the majority of the country in embracing this practical and beneficial change.”

About the National Supermarket Association

The National Supermarket Association is a trade association representing independent supermarket owners who serve communities throughout New York and beyond. Founded in 1989, the NSA advocates for policies that support local supermarkets, promote food access, and strengthen neighborhood economies.

Banner Image: Wine store. Image Credit – Scott Warman

National Supermarket Association

The National Supermarket Association is a trade association representing independent supermarket owners who serve communities throughout New York and beyond. Founded in 1989, the NSA advocates for policies that support local supermarkets, promote food access, and strengthen neighborhood economies.