A frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate is eyeing a change in state liquor laws that would allow his business a dramatic expansion in Maryland.
Total Wine & More, a Maryland-based national chain owned by U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-6th) and his brother, is backing a bill that would expand the number of retail alcohol licenses that can be held by a single person. Current law allows for just one. House Bill 1424, sponsored by Del. David Fraser-Hidalgo (D-Montgomery), would increase the number of licenses to four.
“This would put Maryland in line with surrounding jurisdictions as well as states up and down the East Coast,” said Ashlie Bagwell, a lobbyist who represents Total Wine & More.
Virginia currently allows unlimited licenses for beer and wine retailers. Washington, D.C., allows for unlimited licenses. Delaware allows two licenses per license holder but is considering expanding to three licenses, according to Bagwell.
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Bryan P. Sears over at Maryland Matters
