Lawmakers propose liquor at grocery stores and cannabis beverages at liquor stores

OG article by Johan Sheridan

February 24, 2026

Democratic lawmakers in New York have introduced two bills to expand alcohol and cannabis sales. One bill would permit supermarkets and local bodegas to sell hard alcohol and wine, removing restrictions like proximity rules to schools and churches for certain stores, and allowing grocery stores to own multiple licenses. It aims to modernize alcohol laws, boost vineyards, agricultural businesses, and the craft spirits industry, with polling showing support for wine sales in supermarkets. Independent liquor store owners have historically resisted such changes due to competition. The second bill would allow liquor stores to obtain permits to sell low-potency cannabis beverages containing no more than five milligrams of THC in single-use containers, displayed in a separate area. It imposes a 9% tax on distributors and a 13% tax on retail sales, with revenues funding the State Liquor Authority, local governments, and social equity programs.