A Queens state senator has called on the State Liquor Authority to reject an application from Total Wine and Liquors, a wine and liquor superstore, to open a new retail location in College Point.
State Senator Mike Gianaris wrote a letter to SLA Chairman Vincent Bradley opposing the application because of the “untold harm” it would do to small businesses across the borough, he wrote.
“Total Wine would be a total disaster for small businesses in western Queens,” Gianaris says. “I stand with small business owners to fight for a stronger community and against further intrusions from anti-competitive businesses that prey on small businesses.”
Queens has more than 350 locally-owned liquor stores, according to the senator’s office.
Gianaris said he heard from small business owners expressing their “dissatisfaction” with the proposed superstore.
The retailer reportedly applied for a license in Hartsdale, Westchester County, but was also denied by the SLA.
Gianaris hopes the SLA be “equally wise” to reject this location.