We’re told the State Liquor Authority (SLA) has finally approved an operating permit for a new liquor store at 393 Grand St.
As you may recall, the SLA rejected the application this past spring for the new business in the former Seward Park Liquors space at 393 Grand St. After approving a bid by Seward Park Liquors to relocate to Ludlow Street, SLA commissioners ruled that the general area was oversaturated with liquor stores.
A “Request for Consideration” was heard by the SLA yesterday. According to the Seward Park Cooperative, the landlord at 393 Grand, the liquor authority reversed its decision, granting the license.
“Vinfamily Inc.,” doing business as “Seward Park Wine and Spirits, is now cleared to open in a retail strip controlled by the co-op. The operator, Anastasia Ceballos, is a sommelier who lives in East River Coop. The store will stock 90% wines and 10% spirits, we’re told. There will be a focus on organic European and New York State wines.
At the hearing, Seward Park Liquors owner John DeBlasio spoke against the application, while several elected officials submitted letters in support of the new liquor store.
Last year, the board of the Seward Park Co-op decided not to renew Seward Park Liquors’ lease. DeBlasio, who had been in the space for four decades, waged a very public battle against the board and management. He’s now filed a lawsuit against the co-op.
