Marylanders are encouraged to send similar letters to their delegates regarding this important legislation, which is critical to the survival of Maryland's wine industry....

March 15, 2006

Del. Dereck E. Davis, Chairman
House Economic Matters Committee
Room 231, House Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401-1912

via email and mail

Re: HB 1122 — Creating a Class 6 limited wine wholesaler’s license; authorizing a holder to sell and deliver its own brand of wine

Dear Chairman Davis:

Marylanders for Better Beer and Wine Laws (MBBWL) is writing today in support of HB 1122, legislation that would allow small domestic wineries to distribute their own brand of wine.

Maryland’s wine industry has made great strides in the past few years, and this legislation is necessary for its survival. As you know, the Comptroller has informed wineries that they will no longer be able to self-distribute their wines to retailers and restaurants as of June 1, 2006. If Maryland’s wineries cannot self-distribute, many of them may go out of business. Distributors have proven that they cannot adequately distribute Maryland wines for both the wineries and distributors to make a profit.

A healthy wine industry in Maryland is good for the economy, good for job creation, good for consumers, and good for tax revenues. It is a clean industry that helps preserve precious farmland, which is good for the environment. Please help ensure the survival and continued thriving of Maryland’s wine industry by passing HB 1122.

All my best,

Scott Ehlers
Executive Director
Marylanders for Better Beer & Wine Laws
PO Box 5162, Hyattsville, MD 20782
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Marylanders for Better Beer & Wine Laws advocates for beer and wine laws that: 1) benefit consumers; 2) promote competition; 3) protect the environment; and 4) support Maryland's brewers and wineries.