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Public-health witness urges limits on free tastings and warns expanded sale hours could increase crime
Summary
Mariel Matthews, a public-health consultant, told the committee that larger 'free' tastings in H647 risk greater alcohol exposure and estimated a $2.33 per-drink long-term health cost; she also cautioned that removing hours-of-sale restrictions in H655 could raise violent-crime rates, citing a 2024 Baltimore study.
The Government Operations & Military Affairs committee received public-health testimony on multiple draft alcohol provisions, with a consultant urging the panel to tighten tasting limits and to be cautious about extending retail sale hours.
Mariel Matthews, a health-behavior consultant appearing in a personal capacity, told the committee she works with local health departments and has consulted with the state. Reviewing H647, which revises tasting rules for certain…
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