The Maryland Consumer Freedom Coalition launched a campaign to advocate for legalizing beer and wine sales in Maryland grocery stores. Maryland is currently one of only four states across the nation where grocery stores may not sell any alcohol, but significant momentum has grown for passage of legislation in 2026.
“It’s past time that we pass this bill that has strong support from constituents across the political spectrum,” said Delegate Marlon Amprey, the bill’s lead sponsor in the House of Delegates.
“Beyond providing busy, working families with the convenience they deserve, this measure will help attract and keep grocery stores in communities that too often don’t have sufficient access to fresh foods.”
Sen. Antonio Hayes, the bill’s lead sponsor in the state Senate, added, “The current law is outdated and it’s time for a change. Grocery stores are important economic development anchors and we should be promoting policies that drive investment in our communities and have the potential to attract more high-quality grocery stores to communities that need fresh, healthy food access. Maryland cannot continue to be an outlier on this policy.”
Polls Show 80 Percent Support Among Maryland Voters
Polls have consistently found overwhelming support for allowing beer and wine sales in grocery stores, with the most recent statewide Maryland Now poll showing support from 80 percent of respondents.
“Marylanders know that residents of other states are able to do all of their grocery shopping in one stop, and they want the same convenience for themselves,” said Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance (MRA). “Grocery stores operate with some of the smallest profit margins in the retail sector, and this change would go a long way toward attracting and retaining stores in our communities.”
In addition to running a comprehensive statewide public education campaign that includes a range of tactics from digital advertising to radio advertising, the Consumer Freedom Coalition, paid for by the MRA, has already been out in force in the community, attending community meetings, street festivals, farmers markets and Ravens tailgates to talk to voters about this issue. Tens of thousands of Marylanders have already indicated their support by signing on to the coalition.
“Our members working in grocery retail enjoy the benefits and protections of strong union contracts that raise standards for the entire industry,” said Kayla Mock, Political and Legislative Director for UFCW Local 400, which represents thousands of grocery workers in Maryland. “Allowing beer and wine sales in grocery stores will further expand union job opportunities and benefit the communities our members serve.”
As the beginning of the legislative session approaches, the campaign will ramp up efforts to encourage supporters to let their elected representatives in Annapolis know they want lawmakers to put people first and pass this commonsense reform.
The Maryland Consumer Freedom Coalition advocates for consumer choice and convenience in retail policy across the state. The coalition is supported by the Maryland Retailers Alliance, which represents grocery retailers and other retail businesses operating in Maryland.
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