We are trying to open a small wine & liquor store at 1101 Broadway in Bushwick off the Kosciuszko J train stop. There are currently 2 liquor stores with bulletproof glass in the area, which both offer a poor wine selection and no locally produced wine or spirits. In contrast, Hank’s Wine & Booze would offer affordable, hand-picked wine & spirits with an emphasis on New York and specifically Brooklyn wine & spirits. It would be an inviting atmosphere with no bulletproof glass.

The New York State Liquor Authority recently denied the application because they said this part of Bushwick is “not ready” for a wine & liquor store without bulletproof glass.

I strongly disagree and am appealing this decision. I have lived in Bushwick for 10 years and know this neighborhood well. This stretch of Broadway has art galleries, bars & cafes. A record store and vegan bakery recently opened around the corner. I believe an open store with no bulletproof glass would benefit the neighborhood and make it feel safer & more inviting, and in turn, encourage other businesses to open in this area where there are still many vacant storefronts. I also believe Bushwick residents should be encouraged to start businesses in Bushwick, since they’re the ones who know & care about the future of the neighborhood.

If you live in Bushwick and/or are familiar with this stretch of Broadway off the Kosciuszko J train, and you think this neighborhood deserves a nice, affordable place to buy wine & spirits with no bulletproof glass, please let the State Liquor Authority know and help us with our appeal by signing this petition.

Thank you!