Why is MontCo in the hard alcohol business?

[Anonymous]

I live in Montgomery County and always wondered why the County still runs the liquor stores. I live close to the DC border and probably buy 90% plus of my hard alcohol in DC. If the County got out of the business, there would be multiple new liquor stores (i.e., new businesses) in the County generating jobs and tax revenues. The County should also allow liquor stores to import directly which would keep down the prices and allow for the importation of smaller brands. If the County not got out of the liquor business but a also kept down the liquor taxes, the County might find residents from nearby jurisdictions shopping in the County.

[Anonymous]

It's a state law.

[Anonymous]

huh, what other county has liquor stores?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's a state law.

No it’s not. It is just the county. And it is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Hasn’t this been proposed many times and always killed because of the loss of revenue? It’s not just the stores, it’s restaurant supplies too.

I think Pennsylvania has even odder beer and liquor sales laws.

[Anonymous]

I personally prefer not to have more liquor stores around. I do wish grocery stores could carry wine & beer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's a state law.

No it’s not. It is just the county. And it is ridiculous.

You are both right. It is just this county, but the Montgomery County Liquor Control Board was established pursuant to state law.

And it is absolutely ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Money

[Anonymous]

If You want To Change simply start A Petition.

I think Virginia is also in the liquor business for the extra $$$

[Anonymous]

Because of unions, MCGEO specifically. The county liquor stores employ 300 union workers. No one has the guts to privatize as everyone knows if the county has to compete with private sellers, the private sellers will outperform them and the county stores will quickly go out of business.

As for the "state law" thing, indeed all liquor laws are state not county law in MD, but it's up to MoCo. The way it works in Annapolis is for any law that affects just one county, the county's delegation agrees on how they will vote, and representatives of all other counties follow suit as a courtesy (which is reciprocated). Last time around, Delegate Frick tried to end the monopoly, but the other MoCo delegates, as well as the CoExec and County Council were opposed so he couldn't drum up enough support.

The DLC (MoCo monopoly) brings in $30mln in revenue and the County is addicted to it. They claim they cannot find any way to make up that shortfall if they were to privatize. That's bunk. They passed a $15/hour minimum wage which cost the county about $25mln/year and they found the money for that.

The current CoExec (Elrich) took in around $1mln in union donations via his super PAC in the last election, so you can bet he won't be fighting to end the monopoly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Money

The thing is, I'm 100% sure they would generate more money via liquor taxes if it was sold in more places. All they do by requiring me to go to a county liquor store is convince me not to go.

[Anonymous]

Because it’s in the nature of liberal democrats to micromanage people’s lives. Right down to what they’re allowed to drink ad where they can buy it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because it’s in the nature of liberal democrats to micromanage people’s lives. Right down to what they’re allowed to drink ad where they can buy it.

Dumb response. DC is more liberal and doesn't have these restrictions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because it’s in the nature of liberal democrats to micromanage people’s lives. Right down to what they’re allowed to drink ad where they can buy it.

Dumb response. DC is more liberal and doesn't have these restrictions.

And Utah is one of the most republican states and has the absolute strictest and quirkiest rules (eg, cocktails at a bar can’t be mixed in public view).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If You want To Change simply start A Petition.

I think Virginia is also in the liquor business for the extra $$$

It’s definately the money.

Can you really no buy beer and wine in the grocery store in MD? That is crazy.