The council’s message is clear: loosening restrictions on alcohol sales in grocery stores could be part of a broader strategy to bring more food options and business to Prince George’s County communities that need them most.
Consumers looking for emerging craft breweries, boutique wines and exclusive labels will need to visit liquor stores. These stores offer knowledgeable and highly responsive service that grocery stores cannot and will not match.
Since 1978, most grocery stores have not been allowed to sell beer or wine across the state of Maryland. Now, Governor Wes Moore says it is time for a change.
This research demonstrates that state governments can be confident that allowing wine sales in grocery will not harm the liquor store sector, will bring additional revenues to state coffers, and will provide shoppers with greater choice.
The state should incentivize stores to operate in food deserts by offering higher tax credits to grocery stores operating in food deserts and by allowing these markets to sell alcohol, which will decrease financial losses for the stores.
Support for beer and wine sales in grocery stores is at an all-time high in Maryland, with 80 percent supporting the change. In November 2023, just 66 percent of likely voter supported the issue.
