Paterson Uncorks New Plan to Sell Wine in Grocery Stores

Governor David Paterson has uncorked another plan to allow grocery stores to sell wine. Last weekend -- he sent a letter to liquor store owners across the state -- introducing a new proposal called the "Medallion System."

The medallions represent liquor licenses in New York state. Each liquor store will receive two, and must keep one to operate. Store owners have several options for the second one.

"We can hold on to our medallion, which would keep other liquor stores from opening up, so we could keep the number down," said Kristin Vanden Brul, the owner of Wine Sense on Park Avenue. "Or, you can sell your medallion to a grocery store."

The goal is to provide liquor stores with an economic boost: allowing them to open new stores or sell their medallion. But the plan only lasts for three years. After that, the market opens for everyone -- including grocery stores.

Vanden Brul thought it was a good idea at first.

"But then, after I read it a little closer, I thought, well, this is just silly," she said. "because in three years, it's an open field anyway. Grocery stores have been waiting 30 years to sell wine in the grocery stores. What's another three years to them?"

Assemblyman Joe Morelle (D-Irondquoit) developed this proposal. He says this plan levels the playing field for liquor stores -- giving owners a chance to prepare for the change.

But owners like Vanden Brul say, this system only delays the inevitable.