With the aim of reducing crime in stores and wineries in New York City, a state legislator of the BRONX has presented the 2025 winery law, a proposal that would grant subsidies to small businesses for the installation of panic buttons and surveillance systems.
The State Bodegas Law of New York 2025, presented last month by the Bronx Assemblyman George Álvarez, would order the Division of Criminal Justice Services to create a subsidy program to support security improvements in wineries, mini -signs and other small retail shops.
The legislation seeks to strengthen the protection of these businesses covering the installation costs of emergency alert systems and other safety infrastructure. The total financing amount has not yet been specified.
The state law project expands the recent “Silentshields” initiative by Mayor Eric Adams, of $ 1.6 million, which seeks to install panic buttons directly connected to the police in some 500 wineries in the city. Both efforts reflect a growing concern for violent crimes that affect community businesses.
The urgency behind these measures has intensified after recent mortal attacks. On April 16, Anthony Diaz, 24, was fatally stabbed inside a warehouse in Inwood, Manhattan. That same night, Preston White, 38, was shot dead in a winery in Belmont, Bronx.
“Many wineries are open 24/7 365 days a year,” said Álvarez. “That leaves them vulnerable and in the first line of violent crime. Crime that occurs both inside the store and on the street and moves inside.”
Álvarez believes that these funds will help the owners protect themselves and their clients, generating greater security and stability in the communities.
For years, the United Bodegas of America (UBA) organization has requested stronger security measures. Its representatives have indicated the lack of financing and legal mechanisms such as the main obstacles.
The 2025 winery law seeks to close that gap by guaranteeing financial support for panic buttons and other safety equipment. For its part, Mayor Adams has allocated additional $ 5 million for small businesses in small businesses throughout the city.
“Violent crime puts the survival of these businesses at risk,” said Álvarez. “Strengthening your safety will allow these stores, which often cover essential needs, can survive and prosper. And also allow a faster response from the NYPD to any incident.”
The project has already received bipartisan support in Albany. Álvarez was optimistic that he will be approved “sooner rather than later”, and pointed out that his office has worked together with winemakers, NYPD officials and residents to prepare the proposal.
The initiative also has the support of the United Bodegas of America, the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.
“We have no choice,” said Álvarez. “It is our responsibility to guarantee the safety of the men, women and families of our communities.”
Álvarez, who represents the 78th district of the State Assembly in the Bronx, said that this legislation seeks to build a future where tragic facts are less and less frequent, or even completely prevented, through better protection measures.
“Apart from what comes out in the headlines,” concluded Álvarez, “I have heard many winemakers, small merchants and customers talk about the risks they face. For the owners, it is not only about their safety, but also of their ability to make a living honestly. Many times, these businesses are everything they have.”
