NYC liquor store owners sour on gov's wine plan

NEW YORK (AP) _ Some New York City liquor store owners and law enforcement officials say Gov. David Paterson's proposal to allow wine sales at grocery and convenience stores could do more harm than good.

Critics rallied Wednesday outside City Hall. They say the proposal might encourage underage drinking and bankrupt some small liquor stores.

Paterson spokeswoman Erin Duggan says the governor believes the change can be made "both successfully and safely" and will benefit New York wineries and wine drinkers, as well as the state's budget.

The governor estimates the state could raise more than $100 million in the next three years by charging stores a fee for wine sales.

Thirty-five states currently let grocery stores sell wine.

New York state has about 2,400 liquor stores. Paterson's proposal would allow wine sales in more than 16,000 grocery stores.