Total Wine Loses Appeal In New York Expansion Bid

The New York State Supreme Court, Queens County, has rejected Maryland-based Total Wine & More’s appeal to open a second store in the state. The court issued a decision in favor of the New York State Liquor Authority’s (SLA) denial last June of a license to MCT New York Fine Wine & Spirits (also known as Total Wine) in College Point/Flushing, Queens. Judge Pam Jackman Brown agreed with the SLA in her decision filed June 16 that the applicant failed to meet the “public convenience and advantage” standard and denied and dismissed in its entirety the petition and complaint.

Total claims the SLA’s rejection was an “abuse of discretion” because the state agency isn’t empowered to protect the interests of existing stores or eliminate competition. About 350 liquor stores in the area vehemently oppose the proposal and deny the need for the store. MCT claimed it would fill a consumer need and promote economic development. Total Wine has more than 200 stores in 26 states, including one in Westbury on Long Island.—Kevin Barry

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