Restauranteur Petition

Dear Fellow Restaurateur:

We are writing to request your support for consumer direct wine shipment legislation in our state. We all know how hard it is to run a hospitality business, all the more so in this economy, and understand how crucial liquor sales can be to our profitability. Maryland is one of only 14 states that do not allow consumers to order wine delivered directly to them, and this directly impacts our success. We need your help in getting this vital legislation passed in the Free State.

Direct to consumer wine shipment increases total wine consumption in states after it passes because consumers have access to significantly more wine. In Maryland, for example, wholesalers sell about 15,000 wines of which roughly 10,000 are American made, while American wineries produce about nine times as many wines. Direct shipping would open this market up and encourage your patrons to drink more wine. After direct shipment passed in Virginia, wine consumption grew faster than the rate of direct imports, and 90% of the increased consumption was sold by wholesalers to restaurateurs and retailers. Consumers who drink more wine will drink more at our establishments.

Additionally, many small wineries do not see Maryland as a viable wholesale market because the direct-to-consumer channel is not available. With passage of direct wine ship legislation, we will start to see numerous wineries start to work with wholesalers or purchase the Non-Resident Winery Permit that allows them to ship directly to wholesale accounts like us. This legislation has been before our General Assembly the last ten sessions and now is the time to finally get this bill passed. Please join us by completing the following online petition:

http://www.mbbwl.org/action/restauranteur_petition

Attached is a one-page summary laying out why hospitality professionals should back this effort. We hope to be able to count on your support!