We greatly respect Maryland's vision for progress and its pursuit of change; however, it is essential to consider the unique dynamics of our local economy, retail landscape, and community-focused small businesses before permitting grocery stores to sell alcoholic beverages.

While grocery stores aim to enhance the “customer experience,” this move risks creating monopolistic outlets that consolidate too many industries under one roof—at the cost of small, family-owned businesses, public safety, and state economic retention.

We understand “45 States Do It” But...

Maryland has a unique retail environment where over 70% of liquor stores are already located in shopping centers anchored by grocery stores. This means that consumers purchasing groceries can walk less than 200 feet to visit a liquor store, where they gain access to a curated selection of alcoholic beverages and the expertise of knowledgeable staff. In contrast, allowing alcohol sales in grocery stores would result in large, impersonal beer stacks and wine displays, stripping away the value of personalized service and curated choices that liquor stores provide.

 
Existing Laws Are Not Antiquated

Opponents label Maryland’s liquor laws as outdated, but these laws are stringent and extensively regulated to ensure responsible alcohol distribution. Current laws address community concerns, such as preventing liquor stores from being too close to churches or schools and requiring rigorous training for employees to control alcohol sales.

 
Grocery Stores Are Already Economic Powerhouses

Grocery chains dominate multiple industries, including pharmacies, bakeries, florists, and Amazon return hubs, consolidating foot traffic and consumer spending. Adding alcohol sales consolidates up to 10 industries under one roof, undermining competition and local small businesses.

 
Revenue Will Leave Maryland

Many grocery chains operating in Maryland are non-local corporations. Additional beer and wine revenue would flow to corporate headquarters outside Maryland, rather than being reinvested locally.
In contrast, independent liquor stores are owned by Maryland residents who reinvest in the local economy.

 
Threat to Mom-and-Pop Liquor Stores

Family-owned liquor stores provide curated selections, personalized service, and deep community ties. Grocery chains have significant pricing and marketing advantages that small businesses cannot compete with.
This will lead to closures, job losses, and empty storefronts across the state.

 
Increased Marketing Exposure to Children

Grocery stores are family-friendly spaces where children accompany their parents. Unlike liquor stores, which restrict access, grocery stores mix alcohol displays with regular goods. Early exposure to alcohol through displays and advertisements increases the risk of underage drinking and long-term health concerns.

 
Increased Strain on Law Enforcement and Inspectors

Grocery stores are not specialized in alcohol compliance, which will require more oversight.

• Board inspectors and law enforcement will face intensive strain managing:
• Shoplifting of alcoholic products, which is already common in large retail stores.
• Increased violations, including alcohol sales to minors, as grocery store employees may lack adequate training.

Loss of Fair Market Competition

Grocery stores use loss-leader pricing strategies to undercut competition, which small liquor stores cannot match.
Over time, this will eliminate fair market competition, leaving grocery chains with total control of the alcohol market.

 
Disruption of Maryland’s Balanced Economy

Maryland’s current laws strike a healthy balance between small businesses and large retailers, ensuring both thrive in their respective industries.
Allowing grocery stores to sell alcohol will disturb this equilibrium, disproportionately benefiting out-of-state corporate giants.

 
Lack of Control Over Alcohol-to-Grocery Ratio

• Liquor stores are dedicated businesses focused solely on the responsible sale of alcoholic products, operating under stringent regulations to ensure compliance and accountability.
• Grocery stores, on the other hand, are not subject to any controlled ratio of grocery sales versus alcohol sales. This loophole allows them to:
  • Open stores marketed as “grocery stores” but prioritize alcohol sales as the dominant product, misleading the public and regulators.
  • Use alcohol as a major profit driver with minimal focus on grocery products.
  • Without strict statutory controls, this practice could lead to unregulated market shifts, harming small businesses while enabling deceptive practices that undermine consumer trust.

We Need Your Support!

Allowing beer and wine sales in grocery stores is not about “customer experience”—it is about consolidating industries to dominate foot traffic and sales. The result will be:

• The collapse of small businesses and local jobs.
• Loss of economic reinvestment into Maryland.
• Unhealthy marketing exposure to children and minors.
• Increased crime and strain on inspectors and law enforcement.
• A monopolized retail market where consumers ultimately have fewer choices.
• We urge policymakers to resist short-term trends and instead protect Maryland’s local businesses, families, and communities with policies that ensure fairness, accountability, and sustainable growth.

Let’s move forward with solutions that serve all Marylanders—not just corporate giants. Please sign this petition.