The national ban on alcohol ended in 1933. But remnants of the failed 18th Amendment linger in Maryland in the form of restrictive alcohol laws banning producers from selling directly to consumers and to retail outlets. Wholesalers like this arrangement because it guarantees them profits. But the middleman arrangement drives up prices and constricts choice for everyone else.
Forget about finding a wine from small California or Italian or French vineyard here. Wholesalers like big commercial operations that provide a steady stream of bottles. And since it?s illegal to order wines directly from those vineyards, you?ll either have to ship them to a friend outside the state or sneak them in your luggage. But remember, you can?t bring more than two bottles across state lines or you commit a felony.
A group of Maryland state legislators may finally end part of the stranglehold. They want to amend state law to let Marylanders order wine directly from sellers in and out of state. Not only would this expand choice for Maryland consumers, but it would open up a new market for Maryland wineries now forced to sell through distributors like everyone else and at a restricted number of events.
Do not listen to nay sayers that claim this law will allow underage drinkers easy access to alcohol. How many teenage oenephiles do you know? Underage drinkers go for whichever form of alcohol they can get cheaply when the party starts.
The only problem with the law is that it does not go far enough. There is no legitimate reason producers and other wine sellers should not be able to sell directly to restaurants and to stores except that it would cut into wholesaler profits. State Sen. Jamie Raskin, (D-Montgomery) one of the sponsors of the legislation, said opening the wine market to restaurants and retailers will be “explored” at the bill hearing. Restaurant and liquor store owners, let him know what you think.
We do not normally advocate breaking the law. But it would be entirely appropriate to make Feb. 23 ? this year?s Open That Bottle Night, the annual event first started by columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher of the Wall Street Journal in 2000 to celebrate food, friendship and special bottles of wine ? a day to bring your favorite case across state lines. State laws banning this activity only serve to protect monopolies with no benefits to public safety, the economy or consumer choice. In the interim, go to examiner.com, find your state legislator, and let him or her know it?s time to end Maryland?s failed legacy of Prohibition. Salud!
To contact your legislators
» Look for the Sound Off button on the home page of examiner.com.
» It will allow you to search for your legislators and will link you to members of the General Assembly.
» It will also link you to the e-mail form for Gov. Martin O?Malley.
