STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York state authorities are sharply restricting new wine and liquor store openings amid a perfect storm of declining sales, industry upheaval, and growing health concerns about alcohol’s cancer risks.

According to a New York Post report, the State Liquor Authority (SLA) is rejecting up to 70% of license applications this year. They cite fears that new stores could force existing shops out of business. The crackdown comes as alcohol sales in New York have plunged by as much as 25% this year, with similar drops last year, according to the Post and liquor license attorney Max Bookman.

“The landscape has changed significantly since the prior store closed,” SLA Commissioner Lily Fan said at an Aug. 6 hearing in Harlem , where she rejected an application for a ne

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