Maryland’s comptroller is asking citizens to weigh in on the state’s ban on direct wine shipment.
State Comptroller Peter Franchot wants Marylanders to complete an online survey — available on his Web site — that he says will gauge public interest in lifting the ban.
The results will be included in Franchot’s report to the 2011 General Assembly on the potential effect of legalizing mail-order wine.
The survey prods consumers on their wine consumption and buying behaviors, and how they suspect those routines would change if the ban is lifted.
“In the past, the issue of direct shipment has been debated vigorously by retailers, wineries and others in the alcohol community,” Franchot said. “It’s time for the public’s voice to be heard on the issue.”
Maryland is one of 13 states that prohibit residents from shipping wine directly to their homes.
More than 100 lawmakers from both houses supported a bill ending the ban last year, but the bill dissolved into a request for a report — the legislature’s way of shelving a divisive issue until next year.
Maryland’s powerful liquor lobbyists support the ban because it keeps consumers buying locally. Montgomery County lawmakers, in particular, have argued that lifting the ban would crush the county’s Department of Liquor Control — which has sole power over the local liquor market. Proponents of the ban also argue legalizing mail-order wine enables minors to easily obtain alcohol.
But consumers complain the ban forces them to cross state lines to pick up shipments, and directs licensing fees — potential income for Maryland — to neighboring states.
Changing the law would increase state revenue by $90,000 from licensing fees in the first year, according to a February fiscal analysis.
Franchot also is gathering data from wineries, wholesalers, retailers and trade organizations for his report. He said he plans to zero in on the “best practices” of the 37 states and District of Columbia that allow direct wine shipments. The comptroller’s consumer survey ends Sept. 30, and he plans to make the report public by December.
