Wicomico county executive touts end of 'prohibition era' liquor laws

Local Wicomico County business owners now can purchase their liquor wholesale, rather than directly from county dispensaries, the County Executive announced Monday.

Gov. Wes Moore made the move possible with the signature of HB1340 , which took effect July 1, and repealed "the monopoly of the Liquor Control Board for Wicomico County and its dispensaries on the sale and distribution of certain liquor at wholesale in the county; authorizing the holders of certain alcoholic beverages licenses to purchase alcoholic beverages from a dispensary or a wholesaler; repealing the prohibition on delivery of certain liquor by certain wholesalers."

The move was touted by Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano in a press conference as a collaborative effort with the members of the Eastern Shore Delegation like Del. Carl Anderton, R-Wicomico, who was the bill's sponsor.

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Wicomico executive hails end of 'an antiquated system that's unfair'

"It's been 91 years since prohibition and it's an antiquated system that's unfair," Giordano said. "We're a free-market economy and that applies to liquor as well. This is a big step for business owners, and nothing changes for the public if they want to buy alcohol through county dispensaries. Giving the option of choice is never a bad thing."

Giordano noted now that the law is in place, it would be boost for local businesses since it introduces competition and the ability to "shop around" for the best prices.

According to county figures, the dispensary brings in an estimated $1 million annually that is funneled to a number of municipal needs. Montgomery County is now the only Maryland municipality with a traditional liquor dispensary model in place.

"It took a great deal of effort and working together. As a county executive we were in Annapolis working with our delegates and senators on calls and drafting bills as a team. Having an executive being able to devote that time to it made all the difference," Giordano said.

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Wicomico County Council President John Cannonechoed the sentiments that members of the Eastern Shore delegation were to be thanked for efforts.

"The bill as it was put together is good for the larger purchases of liquor by business owners within the county," Cannon said. "I would like to see within the next year if we couldn't eliminate the competition of the dispensary in selling beer and wine from smaller businesses that are also trying to make a living. Anyone purchasing any type of service or product should always have the ability to buy them in the free market as opposed to a government agency."

In 2023, the Maryland Alcoholic Licensing Association, a business and trade group which helps alcohol regulators and others stay informed about laws, explained "the Maryland General Assembly approved more than 60 new alcoholic beverage laws that created opportunities in Maryland."

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This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Wicomico county executive touts end of 'prohibition era' liquor laws