Group plans meeting on grocery store wine sales

A group opposed to Gov. David Paterson’s proposal to allow wine sales in grocery stores will hold an informational meeting at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Hilton Garden Inn in Horseheads.

The group is made up of owners of area wineries and liquor-wine stores. The meeting is hosted by GCP Discount Liquors & Wines in Horseheads, according to a release.

Paterson’s budget proposal, released on Dec. 16, included a renewed call to allow grocery stores to sell wine, which they are currently prohibited from doing. He estimated the change in the state’s alcohol-sales law would raise $105 million more from fees charged to grocery stores for the right to sell wine. The governor also is seeking an increase in the state’s excise tax on wine from 18.9 cents to 51 cents a gallon, which would raise additional revenue.

The release on the meetings asks those planning to attend to call Gene Losey or Tammy Harvey at GCP, (607) 739-8650. The Hilton Garden Inn is at 35 Arnot Road, Horseheads, between the Arnot Mall and Colonial Drive.