Confused about liquor laws in Maryland

[Jambon]

I just relocated to Calvert County to train for a new job and I'm a tad confused about the liquor law around here.

I was under the impression that only "liquor stores" could sell beer, wine, and hard liquor. But then someone told me that chain food stores (like Giant or Safeway for instance) can pick ONE STORE EACH IN THE COUNTY to sell alcohol in. I know for a fact there are supermarkets in Montgomery County and PG County that do sell alcohol. But out here the only food store that sells booze that I've found thus far is Nick's. What I don't understand is that if they can sell alcohol then why can't Giant or Safeway?

Do the laws vary by county? Or depend upon the size of the store?

I tried Googling this stuff but couldn't find much.

This is rather frustrating coming from Virginia where you can buy beer or wine at any 7-11, gas station, or supermarket up until midnight on any night of the week. The only downside in VA is that you have to go to a special ABC store to buy hard liquor and most of those are closed on Sunday.

[greyhound]

Not sure why this would be a problem. I go to the liquor store up the street from me when I want to purchase beer, wine or liquor.

[Bay_Kat (Premo)]

Originally Posted by greyhound

Not sure why this would be a problem. I go to the liquor store up the street from me when I want to purchase beer, wine or liquor.

Same here. There are 4 Fast Stop Convenience stores in Calvert that sell beer up until 2 am. I'm not understanding the confusion. Different counties have different laws.

[Speedy70]

Originally Posted by greyhound

Not sure why this would be a problem. I go to the liquor store up the street from me when I want to purchase beer, wine or liquor.

Exactly. There's a liquor store next to Giant and one next to Safeway.

[Bay_Kat (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Speedy70

Exactly. There's a liquor store next to Giant and one next to Safeway.

Went to the one next to Safeway, I think they have the best selection in the area. Got to do the Margaritas for Cinco De Mayo.

[smoothmarine187]

Originally Posted by Jambon

I just relocated to Calvert County to train for a new job and I'm a tad confused about the liquor law around here.

I was under the impression that only "liquor stores" could sell beer, wine, and hard liquor. But then someone told me that chain food stores (like Giant or Safeway for instance) can pick ONE STORE EACH IN THE COUNTY to sell alcohol in. I know for a fact there are supermarkets in Montgomery County and PG County that do sell alcohol. But out here the only food store that sells booze that I've found thus far is Nick's. What I don't understand is that if they can sell alcohol then why can't Giant or Safeway?

Do the laws vary by county? Or depend upon the size of the store?

I tried Googling this stuff but couldn't find much.

This is rather frustrating coming from Virginia where you can buy beer or wine at any 7-11, gas station, or supermarket up until midnight on any night of the week. The only downside in VA is that you have to go to a special ABC store to buy hard liquor and most of those are closed on Sunday.

Just keep in mind that drinking kills valuable brain cells.

[Cletus_Vandam]

I have not seen any of the "chain" grocery stores sell beer or wine like they do in VA. But I do know that the family store that McKay's owns in Solomons [can't remeber the name] sells beer and wine.

I think it has to with the license to sell and once you have it you can maintain it, but getting a new one is tough.

In St. Mary's County there are a few mom and pop grocery stores that sell beer and wine. Chaptico Market is one that comes to mind.

[BadGirl (Premo)]

Originally Posted by smoothmarine187

Just keep in mind that drinking kills valuable brain cells.

With you being the poster boy for "What Not To Do", or "Do as I say, not as I do".

[Chain729]

Originally Posted by smoothmarine187

Just keep in mind that drinking kills valuable brain cells.

That explains a lot.

At any rate, why is this a problem? How far into the boonies do you live that a liquor store isn't within walking distance (2 miles max)? Some grocery stores sell alcohol, some don't. If there's more than 2 stores next to each other either one is a liquor store, or one is convience/grocery store that sells liquor. SoMD is an alcoholic's wet-dream.

[Jambon]

Originally Posted by Chain729

That explains a lot.

At any rate, why is this a problem? How far into the boonies do you live that a liquor store isn't within walking distance (2 miles max)? Some grocery stores sell alcohol, some don't. If there's more than 2 stores next to each other either one is a liquor store, or one is convience/grocery store that sells liquor. SoMD is an alcoholic's wet-dream.

It's not a problem, it's just confusing! Like I said, I come from Virginia and the law is different and does NOT change from county to county.

Over there EVERY supermarket sells beer and wine. EVERY 7-11 sells beer and wine. And since EVERY 7-11 is open 24 hours and almost EVERY supermarket is open till 11 or 12 it makes things pretty dog on simple.

The main issue I have here is that you've got to figure out which liquor stores stay open late and which don't. Obviously this isn't a problem for a local, but it's a tad bewildering for a traveler or an out of towner!