The following is part of an editorial from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle in support of the sale of wine in grocery stores.

“Almost a year ago this page called for liquor store owners and distributors to try to work out their differences with proponents of wine sales in supermarkets after a proposal for such a change died in the state Legislature.

The talks never materialized. And again, the proposal, which has strong public support, is back before lawmakers. This time the Legislature should push forward.

The 2010 legislation contains reasonable concessions to the liquor industry and at the same time benefits New York taxpayers and consumers.

Perhaps foremost at a time when the state is facing a $9 billion budget deficit, the proposal would provide an additional $300 million in state revenue.

Without raising taxes on consumers, the desperately needed additional revenue would be derived from franchising and license fees.

New York consumers would join those in 35 other states who currently have the convenience of purchasing wine in grocery and food stores. Polls show nearly 70 percent of New Yorkers want this convenience.

As for liquor stores, which have long complained that allowing supermarkets such as Wegmans to sell wine will force many of them out of business, the bill doesn’t ignore that concern. It allows them to sell additional products. Permitting cheese sales in liquor stores for the first time also will help New York’s dairy famers.”

To read the rest of the editorial click here.