A Johnson City liquor store owner is fighting the opening of a massive competitor just yards west on Harry L. Drive.

Chenango Wine and Liquor LLC owner, Richard Vlasik filed a petition in Supreme Court in Broome County December 30 challenging the state’s approval of a liquor license for an over 15-thousand square foot liquor store adjacent to Wegman’s Supermarket across from the Oakdale Mall.

The owner of Oakdale Wines and Spirits in the nearby Weis plaza says having such an enormous store creates an unfair pricing advantage over the smaller operators.

The new liquor store is owned by members of the Wegman family.

The petition says Johnson City Wine Partners LLC of Rochester should not have a liquor license since Wegman’s already has its own brand of vodka and is a distributor of wine and spirits even though supermarkets in New York State are currently not allowed to sell wine and liquor.

The majority partner of the new store is Jason Wehle, who is the son-in-law of Wegman’s CEO, Dan Wegman and owns two liquor stores in New Jersey.

There has been no date set for a hearing in Supreme Court.

 

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM