Direct Shipping in Maryland
A smart, calm editorial in favor of direct shipping in Maryland:
The reality is that Maryland’s three-tiered liquor system is badly in need of reform. And the most important voices that the study commission needs to listen to are those of Marylanders who drink wine. An estimated 85 percent of the wine produced in this country can’t be found on any Maryland store shelf.
Experience tells us that teens don’t buy wine by mail, as documented by the 37 states where direct shipment is allowed. Deliveries of wine must be signed by the person who ordered them and ID presented verifying age. That’s a tougher standard than the spot checks of retailers. And the legislature’s own independent analysis has shown wine shipment is going to increase tax collections, not reduce them.