Buying Beer and Wine in MD | Maryland Retailers Association

Looking for the complete guide to buying beer and wine in Maryland? You’ve come to the right place.

Most people think of Maryland and its tasty seafood, especially crabs. While others know it as the 7th state in the U.S. But did you know Maryland is one of the last states in the union that prohibits buying beer and wine at chain grocery, wholesale, pharmacy and convenience stores?

Find out where you can buy beer and wine in Maryland. Learn more about the current laws and proposed legislation to give consumers more choices when buying beer and wine. And find out what you can do today to help update Maryland’s outdated laws.

What this article covers:

Marylanders shopping for beer and wine

Where to Buy Beer and Wine in Maryland

Are you wondering where to buy beer and wine in Maryland? The laws are a bit different in Maryland than in neighboring states, so get the facts before you go shopping for your favorite craft beer or summer pinot grigio.

Can you buy beer and wine at grocery stores?

Yes and no. Generally, buying beer and wine at chain grocery stores is restricted due to a 1978 statewide prohibition. A handful of grand-fathered in chains are among the exceptions. New legislation seeks to create uniform standards to promote purchase options, but needs your support to pass.

Can you buy beer and wine at pharmacies or wholesale clubs?

Yes and no. Any chain store locations selling alcohol fall under a grand-fathered law from 1978, with about 30 total locations statewide permitting the sale of beer and wine. Wholesale club members like Costco, BJ's, and Sams's Club will have to travel to nearby Washington D.C., since its Maryland locations are not able to sell beer and wine. Marylanders deserve uniform, clear standards across retail locations; help change outdated laws.

Can you buy beer and wine at gas stations and convenience stores?

Maryland House Bill 996 sought to change the law to make beer and wine available at gas stations and other convenience stores that could meet specific food standards, but did not pass. Many communities in Maryland have an overabundance of liquor stores with few fresh food options. Your support can help remove this restriction and open beer and wine sales across store locations while creating new and sustaining existing healthy food options.

Can you buy beer and wine on Sunday?

You can buy beer and wine on Sundays, but only at a freestanding alcohol store and this law varies by county. Hours permitted in counties where permitted are 8:00am - 11:00pm, but local stores frequently have reduced hours for Sunday. Baltimore and Prince George’s counties are among those which do not allow beer and wine retail sales on Sunday. Be sure to check your local store hours of operation before heading out.

Can you buy beer and wine online in Maryland?

Through sites like Drizly, a limited number of local stand alone liquor stores can offer some Maryland residents beer and wine delivered to their door. But delivery is subject to county regulations and restrictions.

Can you get beer and wine to-go in Maryland?

A gubernatorial executive order signed in 2020 allows for wineries and restaurants to offer beer and wine to-go while the state is under a health emergency. The order is set to end following a lifting of the state of emergency. Legislation also passed in 2021 allowing counties to permanently allow this convenience, but that fight will occur in every locality. This seems odd because with convenience being so important to Marylanders, this should also extend to grocery and convenience stores. Join the movement to help expand purchase options for beer and wine purchases.

Maryland Beer and Wine Laws

Maryland is one of a few states that prohibits the purchase of beer and wine in grocery stores. Current law restricts the sale to stand-alone, non-chain stores, with licensing restricted to Maryland residents. Wine can be purchased at convenience locations in neighboring states like Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. Maryland is one of the last states which restricts purchasing beer at gas stations and grocery stores and is one of four in the U.S.

Download US Wine Sales Map

Download US Beer Sales Map

Proposed Changes to the Law

“The pandemic has shifted a lot of our mindset about shopping and convenience,” says Lily Qi, Maryland House Delegate, “Retail is all about convenience and choices. And if you don’t provide those conveniences and choices, people are going to find their own way around it.”

The current Maryland law, established in 1978 does not allow chain stores like big box wholesalers and grocery store chains to sell alcohol, which includes beer and wine sales. In addition, you must be a resident of Maryland to receive a liquor license.

Proposed State Senate Bill 763 and House Bill 996 sought to change the law in 2021 to allow expanded licensing for beer and wine sales in food retail stores. However, the bill did not pass, and the measure must be brought up again in 2022 as a new proposed bill. Join us in giving a choice in beer and wine sales to Maryland.

Do Marylanders Support the New Legislation?

For decades, County residents have been perplexed by the fact that they cannot buy beer and wine in most grocery stores. I lent my support to @LilyQiMaryland's state bill that would remove this outdated, and unfair restriction of consumer choice: pic.twitter.com/ZkM4SdeNrM
— Councilmember Andrew Friedson (@Andrew_Friedson) February 19, 2021

It is no surprise that more and more Marylanders do support legislation to expand the purchase of beer and wine to grocery stores and convenient locations like pharmacies and wholesale clubs. In 2012 support for this change was 63% and grew steadily to 73% in 2020, according to polls.

We need your support to change the legislation. Act now by following the links below and contract your legislator today!

Buying Beer and Wine in Maryland