New rules mean changes for area package stores

Local shops bracing for impact of expanded licensing

Local package stores are preparing themselves for changes in state liquor licensing laws and the competition it might bring.

According to The Patriot Ledger, this year, the number of licenses any one holder can have will rise from three to five. By 2020 the total will rise to nine. The expectation is that many of these licenses will be taken by supermarkets and convienence stores.

One local store owner, Sharon Sorcenelli of Cedarville Wine & Liquors, says she expects her business to suffer as shoppers will choose the conveince of doing their shopping for food and drink in one place.

Vicky McMenamy, owner of Empire Wine & Spirits in Kingston worries that the Stop and Shop next door to her store will soon be a competitor, rather than driving business into her store as it does now.

A local expert on the food business, Mike Berger of Duxbury, expects markets will target “high-volume, high-demographic locations” for alcohol sales.

Read The Patriot Ledger story here.

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