The Savvy Wine Cellar // Savvy Holidays

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Wine in Grocery Stores—Round Three

Well, folks, we are very unhappy to report that, much to our dismay, Round Three of our battle with the big box stores to keep wine out of their establishments is on. And it’s going to be “the fight of the century” for us to win. Since supermarkets and big box stores failed in their two previous attempts to include this issue in the governor’s executive budget, they have changed their tactics. The supermarket owners and big box store chains from upstate and downstate have been pumping about $50,000 per month into the hands of Albany lobbyists to convince our legislators that wine in grocery stores (WIGS) is good for all New Yorkers. They are presenting them with inflated projected tax and fee revenues, as well as downplaying the number of job losses, that will result when small retail wine and liquor stores (like The Savvy Wine Cellar) are forced to close up shop. We are seeking the help of our loyal customers and fans to prevent this from happening.

How can you help? First of all, you should become knowledgeable about the prospect of what will occur should WIGS come to New York State. Please visit: www.lastmainstreetstore.com to get the facts and updates on this issue. The supermarket owners and big box stores may have the money but retailers, like us, have loyal customers and fans whose opinions matter. This is why we cannot tell you enough how important it is for every person reading this to send e-mails and letters and make phone calls to the offices of Governor Cuomo, Senators DeFrancisco and Valesky and your representative in the New York State Assembly to emphatically let them know that WIGS is, in no way at all, a good idea for New York. We’ve provided you with links to our elected officials and a letter that you can simply copy and paste into your correspondence. However, if you would like to offer them your personal views, please do so. Several of our customers have composed personal letters in support of small retailers. Additionally, we strongly urge you to sign every petition opposing WIGS whenever asked. You can sign as many as you can find.

It’s hard to believe that we’re about to celebrate our second year in business. None of it would be possible without you and for you, our loyal customers and fans, we are extremely thankful. Thanks so very much for your support,

Here are the links:
Governor Andrew Cuomo: http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php
New York Senate: http://www.nysenate.gov/senators
New York Assembly: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/
Letter opposing wine in grocery stores: Oppose wine in grocery stores Letter