On Tuesday, July 8, the Prince George’s County Council voted to urge the Maryland General Assembly to authorize grocery stores in the county to sell beer and wine.
Council member Ingrid Watson (District 4) emphasized that “the legislation may increase the financial viability of grocery stores in underserved communities.” According to Watson, 40% of Prince George’s County neighborhoods are considered food deserts, and 55% have low food access and unhealthy food.
“Surrounding communities being able to sell beer and wine in their grocery stores has brought the quality grocers like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods in surrounding communities including Washington D.C. and we need the same thing in Prince George’s County,” Council member Wala Blegay (District 6) said.