A new house bill in Maryland could allow grocery stores to sell beer and wine

MARYLAND — A new bill has been introduced in the Maryland General Assembly. House Bill 1303 would permit grocery stores to sell beer in the state.

Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano said, “This is the second time I think we’ve seen this, and it might have been before that. I know it was in the last session as well, and I know it got shot down. You know, there are a lot of liquor laws that are so crazy here in Maryland. Every jurisdiction is different.”

In a press release obtained by WMDT, Delegate Marlon Amprey expressed support for the bill, calling it a “long-overdue correction to trade policies that deprive consumers of the convenience and choice that 46 other states now take for granted.”

Giordano echoed Amprey’s sentiment, adding, “I’m about the free market, so if they feel that this will help, you know, in certain ways, I think that’s fine. I don’t really see it harming anything in Wicomico County.”

Maryland is one of only four states that do not allow wine and spirit sales in grocery stores. Amprey’s office notes that in recent years, 70 to 80 percent of registered Maryland voters have supported the legalization of such sales.

“If this bill ends up passing and the beer and wine are in there, it’s just like, you know, it’s like the gluten-free aisle. I don’t need gluten-free, so I just sort of skip over that section of the store,” Giordano said.

Giordano also pointed out that, even if passed, it would be up to grocery stores to decide whether or not to sell alcohol.

Delegate Adrian Boafa said the bill would also help Maryland’s local wine and beer retailers by bringing Maryland craft products to the forefront.

The bill was filed Feb. 12 and has been referred to the House Economic Matters Committee.