Save Maryland Wineries

To:  Maryland Legislators

We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the Maryland Legislature to support alternate legislation in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Granholm v. Heald, stating the unconstitutionality under the Commerce Clause for state law to favor in-state wineries over out of state wineries with respect to in-state distribution and sale of wine. This legislation was communicated to local wineries in an administrative release, dated February 1, 2006 (Subject: Limited Winery License Authority).

Alternative legislation is being introduced (SB812), which would modify Maryland Law in a way that is least disruptive to the current “three tier system” (manufacturer to wholesaler to retailer). This legislation will allow out-of-state wineries as well as in-state wineries to deliver their product directly themselves or by their employees to restaurants and retailers. This ability, if allowed equally to both in-state and out-of-state wineries, would end any alleged discriminatory effect of Maryland’s laws about wineries, and would protect our local wineries.

The intent of this petition is to demonstrate to elected officials, in the State of Maryland, that the voting public is asking for their support to sustain our local wineries while seeking the constitutional resolution to this issue, either through the abovementioned legislation (SB812) or similar.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Save Maryland Wineries Petition to Maryland Legislators was created by and written by Jennifer M. Parnell (curlyq2@comcast.net).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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