Maryland sets direct-shipping hearings

Public and wine industry urged to speak at public hearings on Friday

Annapolis, Md.—State and national organizations backing direct-to-consumer reform in Maryland issued alerts this week urging supporters to turn out in force to effect change. House Bill 234 and Senate Bill 248 were introduced in January and immediately endorsed by the Maryland Wineries Association, Wine Merchants Association of Maryland, Marylanders for Better Beer and Wine Laws, the Maryland Farm Bureau, California’s Wine Institute and Free the Grapes!, a national coalition of consumers, wineries  and retailers.

A statement from Free the Grapes! said, “Commission passage…could help to replace the state’s archaic ban on wine shipments from licensed wineries directly to Maryland consumers.” The House Economic Matters Committee will hear testimony about House Bill 234 in Room 230 of the House Office Building on Friday, March 4, at 1 p.m. Eastern time. Those wishing to testify must sign the witness sheet by 12:45 p.m. The Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee will hear testimony about Senate Bill 248 simultaneously, at 2 West Miller Senate Building, 22 Bladen St., Annapolis, Md. Witnesses must sign in by noon.

The Marylanders for Better Wine & Beer Laws asks Maryland residents who are unable to testify in person to phone or e-mail their legislators before Friday. For contact information, visit mbbwl.org and click “Take Action.”