Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris Calls On State Liquor Authroity To Reject Application For “Total Wine And More” Superstore In Queens

ASTORIA, N.Y. – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris called on the State Liquor Authority (SLA) to reject an application from Total Wine and Liquors, a wine and liquor superstore, to open a new retail location in College Point, Queens.

“Total Wine would be a total disaster for small businesses in western Queens and I urge the State Liquor Authority to reject its application,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I stand with small business owners to fight for a stronger community and against further intrusions from anti-competitive businesses that prey on our small businesses.”

Queens has more than 350 locally-owned liquor stores throughout the borough. The opening of Total Wine & More pushes small liquor stores out of business. Total Wine and More already has a location in Westbury, on Long Island. The retailer applied for a license for a location in Hartsdale, Westchester County, which was denied by the SLA.

Senator Gianaris’ full letter to the SLA appears below:

Vincent G. Bradley, Chair

New York State Liquor Authority

80 South Swan Street, Suite 900
Albany, New York 12210

Dear Chairman Bradley:

                I write in opposition to the pending application of MCT Fine Wine & Spirits, LLC to open and operate a liquor store in Queens. The operators, who propose to open a Total Wine and More location in College Point, will do untold harm to small businesses across the borough of Queens.

                With the intrusion of Total Wine & More, Queens would witness another big box national chain stymie competition and hurt small businesses. With more than 350 independently owned liquor stores throughout Queens, there is no shortage of competition to keep prices affordable. A major retailer like Total Wine & More would have a destructive impact on the local marketplace and push small companies out of our communities.

                I have heard from small business owners expressing their dissatisfaction with the proposed siting of a Total Wine & More in our borough. A Total Wine & More already has set up shop in Westbury, and the ripple effects are already felt throughout Queens. The SAL was wise to reject the company’s previous license application for a Hartsdale location and you would be equally wise to reject this application.

                Sincerely,

                Senator Michael Gianaris

                Deputy Majority Leader