Maryland Wine Shipping Manifesto (HB-716, SB-566)
What’s the problem?
The issue at hand is that wine consumers in Maryland cannot order a bottle of wine from an out of state retailer and have it shipped to their house. This is because Maryland law dictates that alcohol retailing in Maryland flows through the Three Tier System: producer-distributor-retailer-(you)
For more on the three tier system, read Tom Wark’s blog Fermentation. He talks about it a lot and he’ll describe it in better detail that I can.
The problem is that the liquor distributors (and some retailers) like things the way they are, so they oppose changes to the system.
Why are they against it?
The public reason
The final argument that they’re clinging to is that underage kids will have access to a world of wine which will be delivered to their door. Maryland will be helpless to enforce the age limit for purchasing alcohol. Society will descend into darkness and oblivion.
This is, of course, total bunk. No college kid is going to pay $7.99 plus $5.99 shipping for a bottle of Yellowtail to be delivered to his dorm room next week. It just isn’t going to happen. See previous post for more.
Second, UPS and FedEx will not just leave a bottle of wine lying around if you aren’t home to receive it. They require an adult to sign for the package if the package contains wine. I know through personal experience that both UPS and FedEx are extraordinarily vigilant about this.
The private reason
The distributors like things the way they are because it is profitable. Can’t blame them. If I were one of the few people entitled to buy alcohol at a discount then resell it to consumers at a significant markup, then I’d probably pull the “it ain’t broke don’t fix it card” too.
It is important to note this: proponents of direct wine shipping to Maryland are not trying to dismantle the three tier system and run distributors out of business. If direct shipping to Maryland becomes legal, distributors will still thrive doing what they do. They provide a service and fill a need to the retailers and restaurants and this need will continue to exist. Millions of Marylanders are still going to buy from their local shop. Very little will change.
Well, do we not have more important things to worry about?
Look, I’ll agree that this is a trivial issue. Maryland has real problems to deal with. Push this through and let’s get on with it.
Do we really have a chance?
In previous years, no. The bill hasn’t even made it out of committee. Now that some committee members have come on board, chairwoman of the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee is threatening to refuse to hear the issue at all. Essentially, she’s saying “well you guys won’t even get the chance to vote on it, because I don’t think it’s fit for a vote.” See previous coverage here and here and plenty of other places.
In short, unless the bill is voted on in committee, then there is absolutely no chance of it passing.
What can I do?
Write to your Maryland state Representative or Senator and let them know how you feel about the issue. Support Marylanders for Better Beer and Wine Laws for they are the ones on the front lines of this. Finally, if you really feel passionately about this, make note of who opposes the bill and vote accordingly come November.
March 18th, 2010 at 3:45 am
[...] From Vinotrip: A Maryland Wine Blog: [...]
June 16th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
It’s not just Maryland. The entire Northeast has ridiculously over conservative alcohol rules and regulations.
October 18th, 2010 at 10:14 am
I would love to be able to order online. But for more immediate gratification I will still be shopping at my local wine retailer. I in fact think most people will. For the average wine drinker it is just easier to go down the street and pick up a bottle anyway. This is why I think all the retailers are worrying a little too much. And as far as teenagers ordering this stuff, it is just crazy. Any teenager knows their are far easier ways to get alcohol.
October 18th, 2010 at 10:15 am
I am planning a trip to Italy next spring. Will I be unable to bring Chianti back with me? What could happen if I try to bring it back?
October 29th, 2010 at 4:10 am
I’ve never tried to bring wine back with me from overseas, and that may have customs implications. However, from within the US the best way to go is putting the bottles in your checked luggage. Many California wineries will even give you a box with special foam inserts designed for shipping wine. If you visit some more well-known Italian wimeries I have to imagime they would offer the same. Basically every airline charges for checked bags but for us in MD that’s really the only option (unless you have a friend out of state who will accept a shipment on your behalf).
Just don’t put it in your carry on, otherwise TSA will throw it out!
January 19th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
I am planning a trip to Italy next spring. Will I be unable to bring Chianti back with me? What could happen if I try to bring it back?