ALBANY, N.Y. - Once again, New York lawmakers are sponsoring legislation that would allow the sale of wine in grocery stores, the Times-Union reports. Earlier this year, Governor Andrew Cuomo did not include such a proposal in his budget despite hopes from supporters.

On Monday, state Senator Tom O€™Mara and Assemblyman Joe Morelle held a roundtable discussion on the subject. On the opposing side, Beth Leonelli-Endres, who owns Vineyard Wine & Spirits, argued that "the majority of liquor stores will be severely hurt by this. €¦ The wine is what pays my rent ... liquor is there for customer convenience."

The legislation has the support of the Business Council and the Farm Bureau, which sees the expansion of wine sale locations as a way to increase the growth of New York wineries. Wegmans pointed out that selling wine could mean more than 250 "meaningful" jobs in its New York stores.

"For years, the opposition has refused to come to the table," said Paul Speranza, vice chairman of Wegmans. "Why is it fair that one group is not hurt and all of these other groups are hurt? Citizens of this state are treated equally, or should be treated equally."

The bill has overtures to the liquor store lobby: allowing beer sales at liquor stores, letting liquor store owners have multiple locations, selling alcohol direct to bars and restaurants, stocking drink mixers and snacks.