I heard from the guy behind the guy behind the guy that the good guys aren’t optimistic about HB-1260 passing this year. They are, however, looking forward to next year, when they feel it will have enough votes.
Food and Wine Blog posted an all-inclusive update here. There is a hearing on the bill today at 1pm so keep your fingers crossed.
February 18th, 2008 at 7:03 am
I’ve heard the same buzz about the bill, and although it’s frustrating, I believe we’re making ground.
There is still hope though…
February 20th, 2008 at 7:45 am
YEah sure is. I haven’t heard a summary of the opposition argument yet.
March 13th, 2008 at 9:35 am
I just received this note from Delegate Carolyn Krysiak explaining why HB1260 did not pass.
Thank you for your correspondence. Let me explain why House Bill 1260 has failed to pass.
First, the Baltimore City Liquor Board or any other local board in the State would not have jurisdiction over, or the ability to revoke the license of, out-of-state retailers or wineries. We impose significant consequences upon in-State retailers who sell to minors, but would not have a similar ability to impose these same sanctions upon out of state retailers who ship wine to minors in Maryland. If we cannot closely control the activities of these shippers and discipline them in the same way we do in-State retailers, then it’s my view that we shouldn’t give them the same privileges.
Second, couriers that deliver wine across state lines cannot be properly regulated by the State. A recent Supreme Court decision made clear that whatever policies and procedures we put in place in Maryland to ensure that wine is not delivered to minors cannot be enforced, because they are pre-empted by federal law.
Finally, for wine connoisseurs who seek certain wines that are not currently carried by stores, there is already a way to do that. The wine can be shipped to a local retailer directly from the winery by obtaining a $10 permit from the Comptroller’s Office. While this does
not deliver the product to your doorstep, it still provides access to the wine at minimal inconvenience. And, most importantly, it does not open another means for minors to access alcohol.
I am hoping that we can work out a mechanism to handle these shipments better and in the future we can more fully satisfy your needs.
Delegate Carolyn Krysiak
Room 314 Lowe Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-841-3303