Bill to allow beer, wine sales in retail stores draws split testimony at Economic Matters hearing

An Annapolis hearing of the Economic Matters Committee’s alcohol subcommittee on House Bill 13 79 drew hours of testimony on whether Maryland should allow certain retail stores to obtain licenses to sell beer and wine.

Sponsor Delegate Marlon Ampre said the measure “modernizes our outdated licensing system” and would bring Maryland in line with most other states, arguing the change would increase convenience for families, help some small Maryland producers reach new retail channels and produce new tax revenue. “This bill will ultimately bring Maryland to the 21st century,” Ampre told the committee.

Business groups and grocery representatives urged approval. Kaylee Locklear of the Maryland Retailers Alliance said polls and commissioned studies show expanded retail access can increase jobs and revenue while having limited impact…