Should wine entrepreneurs have the right to fail?

The New York State Liquor Board has refused a license to a budding natural wine retailer, questioning whether the style “will sell” in the shop’s proposed location.

The New York State Liquor Board (SLA) has denied a license to a prospective wine retailer, due partly to the board’s scepticism over whether natural wine would sell in the suburb of Rochester, where the proposed shop is based.

As reported by local news channel WHEC TV, chairman for the SLA Vincent Bradley questioned whether or not there was a market for natural wine in Rochester.

The chairman said during the hearing this month: “We are familiar with the natural wine world, and it’s been in New York City much more expansively than it has been in Rochester.”

License applicant Brandon Opalich and his solicitor argued that whether or not the business proved to be a success was a matter for the business-owner, rather than grounds for the board to approve or refuse a license.

Opalich, who has worked in a number of restaurants and wineries, told the board that he had carried out market research ahead of applying for the liquor license and that he believed there was an appetite for natural wine in Rochester, which lies around five hours north of New York City.

It all boils down to whether wine retailers, or any retailers for that matter, should be allowed to try.

“If Opalich wants to sink all his money into a natural wine shop and go bankrupt, why should the SLA stand in his way?” asked journalist W. Blake Gray, reporting for wine-searcher.com on the verdict.

Opalich had allegedly waited nine months to get a license hearing with the SLA and had ploughed savings into renovating the premises for his wine business, which he had planned to call Aldaskeller Wine Co. after an aunt, herself a winemaker. He and his wife come from a farming background, live self-sufficiently and grow their own food – hence their interest in natural wine.

Since being refused a license Opalich has launched an online petition that already has more than 3000 signatures. According to WHEC he plans to re-apply for the license as soon as possible.

According to the SLA website: A license can be denied based on the “character, fitness, experience and financial responsibility of the applicant”.