Maryland’s comptroller is asking citizens to weigh in on the state’s ban on direct wine shipment.
State Comptroller Peter Franchot wants Marylanders to complete an online survey he says will gauge public interest in lifting the ban.
The results will be included in Franchot’s report to the 2011 General Assembly on the potential impact of legalizing mail-order wine.
“In the past, the issue of direct shipment has been debated vigorously by retailers, wineries an others in the alcohol community,” Franchot said. “It’s time for the public’s voice to be heard on the issue.”
The survey prods consumers on their wine consumption and buying behaviors, and how they suspect those routines would change if the ban is lifted.
Maryland is one of 13 states that prohibit residents from shipping wine directly to their homes. Maryland’s powerful liquor lobbyists support the ban because it keeps consumers buying locally. But consumers complain the ban forces them to cross state lines to pick up shipments.
More than 100 lawmakers from both houses supported a bill ending the ban last year, but the bill dissolved into a request for a report — the legislature’s way of shelving a divisive issue until next year.
Changing the law would increase state revenue by $90,000 from licensing fees in the first year, according to a February fiscal analysis.
Franchot is also gathering data from wineries, wholesalers, retailers and trade organizations for his report. He said he plans to zero in on the “best practices” of the 37 states and District of Columbia that allow direct wine shipment.
