Del. Marlon Amprey (D-Baltimore City) has proposed a new amendment that could potentially raise costs for consumers seeking the convenience of purchasing beer and wine in grocery stores, as he seeks to expand the availability of these products to grocers and other retailers. The bill, House Bill 1379, aims to update Maryland’s liquor laws to allow beer and wine sales in various retail outlets, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and larger retailers such as warehouse and big box stores. However, this proposal has sparked significant debate and skepticism, making its journey through the House a challenging one.
During a session with the House Economic Matters Committee, Amprey addressed concerns and questions raised by committee members regarding the impact of his bill. He emphasized the need to thoroughly consider the implications of expanding beer and wine sales and ensure the committee’s comfort with the proposed changes. Amprey highlighted the modernization of Maryland’s liquor laws as a key objective, noting that Maryland is one of only four states that currently prohibit beer and wine sales in grocery stores.
Supporters of the bill, including Amprey and representatives from the Maryland Retailers Association, argue that allowing beer and wine sales in grocery stores would align with existing practices in some areas of Maryland, such as Montgomery County, Baltimore City, and the Eastern Shore, where such sales are already permitted under grandfathered licenses. They contend that this expansion would not necessarily lead to the displacement of traditional liquor stores. However, opponents, such as Jack Milani, the owner of Monaghan’s Pub, fear that larger retailers entering the market could undercut prices and harm small businesses, leading to lost investments and livelihoods for many store owners.
One such business owner, Jaskinder Gill, shared his story of investing $400,000 of his own money, earned over 25 years working at Pizza Hut, into a Prince George’s County liquor store. Gill expressed concerns that the proposed bill could jeopardize his life savings, a sentiment echoed by many others who oppose the bill. Despite these apprehensions, Amprey dismissed these fears as exaggerated, assuring that existing stores would not disappear overnight if the bill were to pass.
Amid the debate, Amprey has proposed several amendments to address concerns and make the bill more acceptable. These amendments include requiring retailers to purchase existing licenses to mitigate the impact on small businesses, imposing security standards for new licensees, and introducing a 5% surcharge on beer and wine purchases from retailers not covered by the current law. Amprey suggested that revenue generated from this surcharge could be used to incentivize grocers to establish stores in food deserts, particularly in underserved Black and brown communities.
In addition to economic considerations, Amprey emphasized a “dignity component” of the bill, highlighting the importance of providing a safe and dignified shopping experience, especially for residents of predominantly Black communities. He noted concerns about the atmosphere of some liquor stores, where customers may feel unsafe due to security measures like bulletproof glass and restricted access. Amprey’s bill aims to address these issues while expanding consumer choices and supporting distressed communities.
Despite facing opposition from various stakeholders, including alcohol distributors, wholesalers, and retailers, Amprey remains committed to advancing his bill through the House. While Governor Wes Moore has expressed support for expanded beer and wine sales, the bill’s future remains uncertain as it encounters resistance from some legislative leaders. House Economic Matters Chair C.T. Wilson has expressed skepticism about the bill’s chances of passing, citing concerns about the urgency and necessity of the proposed changes.
As the debate over Amprey’s surcharge plan for beer and wine sales expansion continues, the future of Maryland’s liquor laws remains uncertain. The complex interplay of economic, social, and regulatory factors underscores the challenges of balancing consumer convenience, small business interests, and community well-being in the evolving landscape of alcohol sales regulation. The outcome of this legislative battle will shape the retail alcohol market in Maryland for years to come.
