Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has gone a step further by supporting allowing the state’s grocery stores to sell beer and wine, and local business owners aren’t too pleased, WBALTV 11:00 reports.
Free State is one of only three states that still bans the sale of beer and one of 10 states that bans the sale of wine in grocery stores. In a statement, Moore said the change of heart puts the consumer first. where consumers can only buy beer and wine from specialty stores, resulting in less choice for consumers and putting our stores at a disadvantage in condition,” said the governor at X.
“Removing this ban puts consumers first and ensures fair competition in the marketplace.”
But business owners aren’t feeling it. Licensed Beverage Association legislative co-chairman and owner of Monaghan’s Pub called the decision disheartening. “I’ve been doing this for 34 years and we’ve never had a governor do this.” , Milani said.
“We thought, if nothing else, let’s discuss it. And it just didn’t happen for some reason.”
JoAnn Hyatt, owner of Wells Discount Liquors, said she is “vehemently opposed” to Moore’s potential changes.Since her family has run the small business for 70 years, Hyatt is familiar with such legislation and said if he goes aheadit will put too many businesses at risk of closing. “The knock-on effect is devastating. It really is. Tons of stores will go broke,” he said.
“They will not be able to survive. “Many stores will have to cut their staff in half. I probably won’t need half of my staff.”
By: CBS NewsThe Maryland General Assembly will consider the amendment in the legislative session beginning on January 8, 2025. A similar bill was considered in 2021. requiring grocery stores to qualify for a liquor license and for stores to offer a full line of products from multiple categories located in “priority financing areas.”
The legislation’s sponsor, Democratic Sen. Cory McCray of Baltimore, understands where small business owners are coming from, but insists they can survive alongside the big grocers selling beer and wine have, that’s one of the things we’re looking for,” McCray said.
“I think it’s incumbent upon us to know that our small businesses and our grocery stores can survive, they can thrive, they can thrive, and this is a win for Maryland.”
Popular grocer Wegmans and industry groups such as the Maryland Retailers Alliance, the Maryland Association of Chain Drug Stores and the Maryland Food Industry Council. everyone welcomes the change. Wegman’s said they are “supporting Maryland consumers in making wine and beer available in grocery stores.”
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