Maryland Lawmakers Debate Allowing Grocery Stores to Sell Beer and Wine

Proposed bill would create convenience for consumers but faces opposition from some lawmakers

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Lawmakers in Annapolis, Maryland heard testimony on a bill that would allow grocery stores to sell beer and wine. Supporters argue it would create convenience for consumers and allow Maryland-based beer and wine makers to sell their products more widely. However, some lawmakers oppose the bill, expressing concerns that large retailers would undercut smaller competitors on price.

Why it matters

The debate over allowing beer and wine sales in Maryland grocery stores highlights the ongoing tensions between consumer convenience, supporting local businesses, and protecting smaller retailers. As one of only four states that currently prohibit this practice, Maryland's decision could set a precedent for other states considering similar legislation.

The details

The proposed bill would not create new liquor licenses, but rather allow grocery stores to sell beer and wine. Supporters argue this would let Marylanders who live near state borders spend money in-state rather than crossing over to neighboring states. However, some lawmakers like Delegate Jesse Pippy worry large retailers would use beer and wine as a loss leader to undercut smaller liquor stores and package shops. The bill has been introduced before in Maryland but has failed to pass.

  • The Annapolis lawmakers heard testimony on the bill on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Cailey Locklair

President of the Maryland Retailers Alliance, who said Maryland remains 'open to good faith discussions' on the issue given that 46 other states already permit alcohol sales in grocery stores.

Jesse Pippy

A Frederick County Delegate who expressed concerns that big box retailers would 'sell alcohol really cheap and it's going to close out their competition.'

Marlon Amprey

A Baltimore City Delegate who argued the bill would allow Maryland beer and wine makers to sell their products more widely, even out of state, by developing relationships with national retailers.

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What they’re saying

“With 46 other states already permitting alcohol sales, we remain open to good faith discussions.”

— Cailey Locklair, President, Maryland Retailers Alliance

“They are going to sell alcohol really cheap and it's going to close out their competition.”

— Jesse Pippy, Delegate, Frederick County

“Our local beer and wine sellers are not developing relationships with national retailers in order to get their product out of the state in a natural way.”

— Marlon Amprey, Delegate, Baltimore City

What’s next

The bill has been introduced before in Maryland but has failed to pass. It remains to be seen whether this latest effort will gain more traction among lawmakers.

The takeaway

The debate over allowing beer and wine sales in Maryland grocery stores highlights the ongoing tensions between consumer convenience, supporting local businesses, and protecting smaller retailers. As one of only four states that currently prohibit this practice, Maryland's decision could set a precedent for other states considering similar legislation.