Controversial Johnson City Liquor Store Opens

Johnson City Liquor and Wine has opened its doors on Harry L Drive despite a court challenge by a competitor.

The massive store is just west of the Wegmans supermarket. It started business on Saturday morning.

The site at 700 Harry L Drive was acquired by Wegmans Food Markets for $2.5 million five years ago. The store is operated by Johnson City Wine Partners LLC.

Although the store's "soft opening" occurred over the weekend, its grand opening is scheduled for Friday.

The owner of Oakdale Wine and Liquor, located a short distance east of the new store, has filed legal action raising issues surrounding the granting of a liquor license to Johnson City Wine Partners.

A state supreme court judge in Binghamton heard arguments in the case earlier this month.

The principal owner of Johnson City Wine Partners is Jason Wehle, whose father-in-law is Daniel Wegman, the chief executive officer of Wegmans Food Markets.

The New York State Liquor Authority granted a liquor license for the planned new store. That license became effective December 19.

Christopher Thomas, the attorney who represented Johnson City Wine Partners in the court hearing, says he's received no indication as to when Judge Ferris Lebous will issue a ruling in the case.

Adrian Hunte, the attorney who represented the owner of Oakdale Wine and Liquor, could not be reached for comment.