Corked: Popular direct-shipping bill likely a no-go
An effort to allow Marylanders to have wine shipped to their homes has more support than ever, as evidenced by the 100-plus legislators who co-signed this year's bill.
But the proposal must clear the Senate Education, Health and
Environmental Affairs Committee, and the chairwoman tells The Sun
that's not going to happen. Sen. Joan Carter Conway, a Baltimore
Democrat, says she is concerned about minors signing for the bottles
and the potential problems enforcing state laws and tax collection when
an out-of-state vendor is involved.
Still, she acknowledges that direct shipping is "conceptually... a
good thing." Maryland is one of just a dozen or so states that ban
direct-shipping, a Prohibition-era rule.
Affectionately known nationally as the "Free the Grapes" campaign, direct shipping is sure to draw a lively crowd when the Senate hearing is scheduled.
It is unbelievable that one person out of 9 can make a decision when 6
others support this bill. It sure shows how certain members off the
legislature are corrupt- In the bed of the liquor/wholesale lobby. How
dumb do they think we are. Why can't the legislature legislate
something that people want. The more I live in Maryland, the more
convinced that this state cannot function. Where is O'malley (he is too
afraid to support the people's wishes.)
The current system does not work. People should be realistic, there
are ways to get around this law. How many people work in DC or VA and
have wine shipped to their offices (please note I am retired and do not
have this option).
The taxes can easily be collected. Government studies show that
kids get alcohol from peers or parents or steal it. No child will place
an order and then wait for delivery. It is far to expensive - they want
cheap booze. What child or teen will drink wine, there are so many
other drinks of choice for a teenager. 35 other states do not think
this is a problem