Governor Paterson is proposing to raise taxes on, among a slew of other things, wine and beer. The Post says the beer tax would go up to 24 cents per gallon, or about 30 cents per case (more than double the current rate). Dr. Vino points out that since New York City’s wine tax was one of the lowest (at nineteen cents per gallon), the hike was somewhat overdue. And there’s a bright side to Paterson’s proposed budget — grocery stores would be able to sell wine without special entrances to separate facilities, something that might lead to a jump in licensees — up to 19,000 from 2,400 — and $150 million in revenues for the strapped state.

Trader Joe’s to sell wine in New York – almost! [Dr. Vino]