Patterson Wants NY to Sell Wine in More Places to Raise Cash! Cheers?

Nearly 20,000 stores statewide that sell beer would have the option to sell wine under a proposal in Gov. David A. Paterson’s 2009-10 budget.

Paterson will offer an amendment to state law that would allow beer-licensed grocery stores, warehouse clubs, drug and convenience stores, including those at gas stations, to sell wine with a State Liquor Authority license. The bill would exclude beer distributors and similar beer-only outlets, reports Newsday.

All but 10 states offer varying levels of wine sales at non-liquor stores, from grocery chains to gas stations.

New York liquor stores have long fought such a proposal, and some big Long Island wine makers worry wider availability of popular out-of-state wines will squeeze out local ones.

No surprise there.  How many times have you wondered why your local deli doesn’t carry wine?

And boohoo to the Long Island wineries.   I say make better wine.

Here’s the financial upside according to Newsday.

Liquor authority officials said the move would generate more than $150 million in revenue for the state in licensing and franchise fees over three years, while boosting the state’s wine makers and customer convenience.

Sounds like a plan to me.  What do you think?