Got word from Volker Stewart at the Brewer’s Art in Baltimore about Senate Bill 232 in the sta [...]…

Thanks for commenting. A few responses to your points:

The longest chapter in my book Fermenting Revolution is about drinking and health. The facts disagree with your first statement about well being. Daily beer drinking absolutely contributes to improved health. The medical research is very clear that moderate and consistent (it must be both moderate and consistent) intake of alcohol (it can be any alcohol) has a long list of health benefits. The number one benefit is dramatic improvements in heart health – and since heart disease is the number one cause of death in America, that is a very relevant health benefit. Perhaps even more compelling though is that moderate, consistent alcohol consumption results in measurably longer life spans. The studies on this are numerous and well established. See the bibliography in my book for references.

Some grocery stores in Maryland do sell beer and wine. The regulations are different all over the state. Within my county, Montgomery, the regulations even affect different grocery stores differently – some are allowed to sell beer and some aren’t. The regulations make for a very inconsistent consumer experience. I’d be all for letting anyone sell beer.

Chris

I do however, feel that maybe they should consider allowing grocery stores to sell beer and wine. Its annoying having to go to a liquor store which almost always seems to be in a shady part of town and not someplace I trust parking in front of.

According to a press release from Clipper City Brewing this increase would mean Maryland’s tax on beer is twice that of our neighboring states. As I said in the post, I’m not opposed to taxes. But beer is already on of the most taxed consumer items. Should it be? I don’t think so. I think highly polluting industries should be taxed more. The beer industry in general, small and big brewers alike, have done a good job of addressing environmental impacts. Plus, small brewers have done a tremendous service in relocalizing business, which is an important way of stimulating local economies and keeping dollars in communities. I think that’s a better way to strengthen Maryand’s economy than charging consumers even more taxes on beer.

Chris