Group Wants Md. To Start Selling Wine Online
WJZ.com posted the article below about our efforts "to throw out the state's ban of online wine sales":
Group Wants Md. To Start Selling Wine Online
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) ― There are new efforts by a Maryland consumers' group to throw out the state's ban of online wine sales. As Gigi Barnett explains, the campaign has support from wineries, stores and buyers.
Online product sales have opened up markets for buyers and sellers of almost everything, but in Maryland, one product is out.
"You can order books, DVDs, but if you do that with a bottle of wine, you can go to jail," said Adam Borden.
Borden runs a non-profit group called Marylanders for Better Beer and
Wine Laws. Next week, he plans to ask lawmakers to do away with the
state's direct shipping ban of wine and open doors for buyers to
purchase from out-of-state wineries.
"Most Marylanders don't realize that legislators determine what they
drink and unless they hear from consumers about this issue and say
enough is enough, then it will remain status quo," Borden said.
Under a proposed law, an adult signature would be required before wine
is delivered to homes, but some lawmakers fear teens would be able to
get the product shipped to them.
Borden's group tried to change the law last year, but it didn't make it
out of committee. He says a list of lawmakers have signed on, and
buyers, too.
"I've lived in multiple states over the last 10 years and most of the
states that I've lived in have allowed people to buy across state
lines," said Daniel Bickish.
"I think it's pretty archaic," said Jeanne Clingenpeel. "It would
certainly help Maryland's wine industry if we can show off our Maryland
wines to more states."
Borden says local wineries agree because they can't get to potential customers.
"There is no way to expand your business but going online. Many fine
wine stores already have online capabilities but they don't turn them
on because they can't ship to 80 or 90% of their customers in
Maryland," Borden said.
Maryland has a little more than 120 fine wine stores. Borden says they
also support changing the law, because then they will be able to access
more wines from other states.
Maryland is one of 17 states, including Kentucky and Utah, that do not allow online shipping of wine.