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Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Vast Majority of Marylanders Support Changes to Current Brewery Laws

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – An overwhelming majority of Marylanders support fundamental changes to the state’s alcohol laws that govern the production, distribution and sale of beer, according to the results of an online survey released today by Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“Maryland’s current beer laws are dysfunctional and outdated and work to the detriment of consumers and small business,” said Comptroller Franchot in response to the unscientific survey. “Without comprehensive reform, Maryland’s reputation within the national craft brewing industry will continue to suffer. We must have laws that make sense for all the stakeholders and promote economic growth for all three tiers and create the best market for Maryland consumers.”

This past spring, the Comptroller announced the formation of a Reform on Tap Task Force to do a comprehensive review of the state’s antiquated laws governing the manufacturing, distribution and sale of Maryland craft beer. Forty task force members, representing every region of the state from large and small breweries, distributors, restaurants, bars and retailers, consumers and local and state officials have been meeting regularly to discuss issues affecting the industry. As a result of the meetings, an online poll was taken live from August 7 to 11. During that time, 2,472 respondents completed the survey. Below are the questions and the results:

Question 1: What is your opinion on the limits on craft beer production in Maryland law?
  •  72 percent of respondents said there should be no limits on beer production; while an additional 20 percent said they are too low. The remaining 8 percent said they are either too high as they are or that they are “fine” at current levels.
Question 2: What is your opinion of the sales limits in Maryland law?
  •  79 percent of respondents said there should be no sales limits; while 14 percent said these limits are too low. The remaining 7 percent said either they are too high as is or they are “fine” at current levels.
Question 3: What is your opinion of this “buy-back” provision in [HB 1283]?
  •  89 percent of respondents expressed disapproval of the buy-back provision in House Bill 1283; while 4 percent said they approved and 6 percent said they had no opinion.
Question 4: Should the business relationship between the brewer and the distributor be governed by Maryland state franchise law, or should it be subject to a private contract that is negotiated and signed by both parties?
  • 83 percent of respondents said the relationship should be governed by a “negotiated, signed contract”; while 10 said it should be governed by state franchise law and 7 saying they had no opinion on the matter.
Question 5: What is your opinion on Maryland’s current self-distribution law?
  •  72 percent of respondents said there should be no such self-distribution limits, while 18 percent said the limits should be raised. Of those remaining, 7 percent said current law is reasonable, 1 percent said the limits should be lowered and 2 percent said self-distribution should be prohibited altogether in the state.
Question 6: What is your opinion on Maryland’s current “take home” sales limit on one case per customer?
  •  66 percent of respondents said there should be no take-home limit while 25 percent answered that the existing limit is too low and should be raised. Of those remaining, 8 percent said the existing limit is reasonable, 1 percent said take-home sales in the state should be prohibited altogether and lest than 1 percent said the existing limit is too high and should be lowered.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Since when does anyone care what the citizens think? The democrats in control will do what their donors want.

Anonymous said...

Oh this is really boosting the local economy - not! Yeah, right! This state just can't get out of its own way. Keeps shooting itself in the foot and then wondering why the state's economy is in the dumper. No wonder. Also, the whole thing with polls are merely a tool liberals use to sway public opinion. They're designed to brainwash you into thinking, "Well, if everyone else thinks it's a good idea then maybe it is." They did this with Clinton the entire general election. People wake up! You're being hoodwinked.

Anonymous said...

Just more of Franchot grandstanding. Like Miller and Busch, he's part of the Maryland swamp that needs to be drained.

Anonymous said...

what a crock of sh!t. one or two distributors control every bottle of booze or wine that comes into this state. Talk about a monopoly! how politically connected do you have to be to own all that?
imagine getting a $1 or two for every bottle that comes into the state!
At least the mafia does offer protection, more then you get from these criminals!

Anonymous said...

The big breweries (just like Comcast) will do what ever it takes to crush any and all competition. They will line the pockets of the politicians with $$$$ to keep the small guy from growing.
Ever wonder why your Comcast bill is so high and always goes higher? No competition and the politicians keep it that way to keep Comcast happy.