Liquor

SALISBURY, Md.- Leaders in Wicomico County are sending legislation to Annapolis for approval that would change how bars and restaurants in the county would buy liquor.

Currently, places like bars, restaurants or golf clubs must purchase their alcohol through a county-run store. The prices are more expensive since there is little competition. 

Wicomico County is one of two counties in the state with this system. 

The bill going to Annapolis would allow businesses to buy their alcohol from any distributor that they’d like to. County Executive Julie Giordano says if passed by the state, it would be a win for businesses. 

“Now they will not only be able to compare pricing to be able to serve their consumers better and a little bit more on the financial end for them, but it will also give them a lot more choice," said Giordano. "If the better deal is at the dispensary then the restaurant owners will still be able to buy from the dispensary so this just opens it a bit for free market enterprise and so it's just a step in the right direction for a more business friendly economy here." 

Peter Roskovich of Adam’s Taphouse Grille in Fruitland says if passed, this could save him thousands of dollars each year. 

"So we'll be saving money buying direct versus buying through the county," said Roskovich. "Nowadays with the minimum wages went to 15 dollars so any money that we can offset against that is going to help us moving forward" 

Giordano says this legislation would not impact the everyday consumer much. 

"The basic consumer will still be going to our typical liquor store... the three or four that we have in the county. and they would be able to purchase their liquor there. But what we are trying to do is open the free market," said Giordano. 

The Maryland 2023 Legislative session begins on January 10th.

 

Broadcast/Video Journalist

Rachel Pierce joined the WBOC team in June 2021. Rachel graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science. Rachel enjoys spending time with family and friends, running and cooking. 

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