ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Alcohol laws in Maryland don’t align with those in other East Coast states. While there’s a liquor store on nearly every corner, most wholesale, convenience, and grocery stores aren’t permitted to sell alcohol.
Marylanders have criticized the restriction on alcohol sales for decades, as stopping at multiple stores on a grocery run feels like an unnecessary inconvenience. Alcohol can even be delivered in Maryland via services like Uber Eats, making residents question the current legal landscape further.
With all the ways one can buy alcoholic drinks in Maryland, many are beginning to question why grocery stores are unable to obtain alcohol licenses. However, state leadership doesn’t appear to unanimously support the heavy restriction on alcohol purchases.
Following the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, former Gov. Larry Hogan signed an executive order allowing the delivery of alcohol from bars and other similar establishments to help keep small businesses afloat during the unprecedented event.
Hogan isn’t the only Maryland politician to take aim at current alcohol laws. Gov. Wes Moore recently criticized the ban on alcoholic beverages in grocery stores and similar businesses.
On Dec. 11, Moore posted on X about his stance. He wrote: “Maryland is one of only states in the nation that bans the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores – it’s time for a change. Lifting this ban puts people first and makes us more competitive. I look forward to working with our legislative partners to pass this overdue change.”
As the vast majority of states allow the purchase of both beer and wine in grocery stores, it’s unsurprising that Moore received widespread support for his comments. However, many commenters on the X post criticized the possibility of change due to its potential impact on small business owners.
Tom Mazzone, a commenter on X, wrote: “Governor, I’m having trouble reading this as anything other than anti-small business. Fundamentally, I’m not opposed to this, but I am opposed to action that will directly impact small business owners across the state.”
The sale of beer and wine in chain stores will likely impact some small businesses. Although the average person might benefit from changes to the existing laws, it could put some liquor stores out of business entirely.
Regardless, it’s clear the state of Maryland is divided on the issue, and a compromise may be necessary to satisfy all stakeholders. Past legislation, such as House Bill 996 and Senate Bill 763, failed to pass in 2021. These bills would have made it possible for certain retail stores to receive licenses to sell wine and beer.
Maryland’s upcoming legislative session begins Jan. 8, which could be when discussions to allow exceptions to the state’s alcohol licensing laws resume. For now, it seems liquor stores will remain the primary source of alcohol sales in Maryland. However, support from Moore makes the possibility of passing new legislation more likely.
Why Are Alcohol Laws So Strict in Maryland?
While many residents are discussing what they want to see for the future of alcohol sales in Maryland, most are unaware of the state’s long history.
In 1978, Maryland lawmakers banned most chain stores from obtaining licenses to legally sell alcohol, among many other restrictions that remain in place today. One of the original goals of the decades-old legislation was to protect small liquor businesses.
Maryland Alcohol Choice, a group promoting legislation to offer more convenience and choice for consumers, is advocating for changes to these laws.
It’s unclear when beer or wine might become available in grocery and convenience stores across Maryland. For now, residents can make their voices heard by sending messages to legislators or signing petitions calling for change.
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Is this Governor bound and determined to get all Marylanders high? First it’s legalizing recreational marijuana, now it’s selling beer and wine in grocery stores! What’s next for Marylanders?
Leave things the way it is now and keep alcohol out of grocery stores. They will have to make more room for the beverages which could add additional costs to products because of the added refrigeration needed.
The Eastern Shore sells beer and wine in their grocery stores. The liquor stores still seem to be doing just fine. No reason the Western Shore can’t follow suit.
You can buy Liquor and Wine in Maryland Grocery Store. It just has to be locally owned in Maryland, by a Marylander, not some big out of state corporation. Let’s keep the law, as is, and support our fellow Maryland Businesses. Also it is very rare, where there are no Liquor Stores, in the same shopping centers.
You are able to purchase beer and wine in convenience and grocery stores in Ocean City Maryland.
And some people were afraid to visit a convenience store after dark in Southern Maryland before? This ought to help the cause.
I would love to see your list of companies that contributed to your election campaign.
Smells like a true corrupt politician