Maryland State Wire

A recent Axis Research poll shows that 79% of Maryland residents support a change in state laws to allow beer and wine sales at grocery stores. 

Maryland currently has some of the strictest laws regulating alcohol retailers in the nation, barring consumers from purchasing alcohol of any type from grocery stores. 

“There are not many issues that garner nearly 80% support of the electorate these days, but allowing Maryland grocery stores to sell beer and wine is one of them,” Axis Research analyst Blake Moore told the Maryland State Wire.

Maryland is one of only four states that prohibits beer sales in grocery stores, meaning all alcohol purchases must be done through alcohol-only shops. Likewise, it is one of 11 states that prohibit wine sales at grocery stores. 

"That Maryland was one of only four states that prohibit beer sales in grocery stores was across the board the strongest fact in supporting this change,” Moore said.

Support among the poll’s 426 Maryland participants arguing for a change in the state’s laws was bipartisan. Participants argued the change would allow for more convenience, lower prices and an expanded selection of products. 

"The survey suggests that Marylanders have seen other states sell alcohol in grocery stores and know that this has not increased any societal problems,” Moore said.

A new law could also increase sales taxes on alcohol. While most argued for the change, opinions were more clearly split on whether allowing the sale would hurt liquor stores across the community. A similar split was shown in whether or not the sale and consumption of alcohol should be made easier through greater access in stores, especially with an increase in consumption throughout the pandemic. 

According to a report by The Hill, the pandemic ushered in quick changes in many states’ liquor retail laws. Maryland changed some laws to allow alcohol deliveries to customers from restaurants, and categorized alcohol as among the “essential” purchases in the early days of the pandemic.