LESIGLATIVE MEMO
PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW YORK CITY
New York, New York
June 3, 2010
Support for: Part T of Article VII Budget Bill AB 9710/SB 6610- The Wine Industry and Liquor Store Revitalization Act
The Partnership for New York City represents international business leaders and major employers who are dedicated to working with government, labor and the not-for-profit sectors to strengthen the economy of New York City and State. The Partnership’s members employ 1.3 million people throughout the state and contribute $202 billion a year to the state GDP.
The Partnership supports the Executive Budget proposal to lift Prohibition-era restrictions and allow the sale of wine in grocery stores. If enacted, the measure would raise $300 million in revenue over the next two years from liquor licenses and new wine sales and would help close the State’s $9.2 billion budget deficit.
The legislation includes provisions to protect independent liquor stores and to promote the state's growing wine industry. Thirty five states around the country currently allow the sale of wine in grocery stores. Now is the time for New York to implement sensible reform that will protect small businesses, support local industry and, most importantly, help address the state's dire fiscal situation.
At a time when funding for virtually all state programs and some essential services is being cut back, the legislature needs to think and act creatively. Ending a protectionist policy toward liquor stores will both generate revenues and remove an unnecessary state intervention in the private market.
The Partnership respectfully urges members of the legislature to support this measure. We would welcome the opportunity to work with the legislature and the Governor to identify other state laws and regulations that similarly create unnecessary barriers to private sector business growth and job creation. Thank you for your consideration.