This news was just posted on the message boards of Robert Parker’s website and wanted to pass it along. Act quickly as this bill will be heard on Monday!

Maryland, the home of the Baltimmore Orioles, great crab cakes and Robert Parker, Jr & The Wine Advocate is considering direct shipping legislation that would allow Marylanders to purchase and have shipped to them wine from both in-state and out-of-state wineries and retailers.

The House Economic Matters Committee will hear testimony on HB 1260 on February 18th.

E-MAILS BY MARYLANDERS TO COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE NEEDED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Free the Grapes has created a simple way for Marylanders to send a message to the committee members

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ON THE MARYLAND DIRECT SHIPPING LEGISLATION!

Maryland was one of the earliest states to enact felony laws against direct shippers before enacting a purposefully unworkable direct shipping law after the Supreme Court decision. Making lots of noise and getting committee members to notice the will of the people regarding this bill would be quite appropriate given the history of this state on direct shipping.

Wholesalers will come out guns blazing against this bill claiming children will die, the state will lose revenue and the three tier system in in jeapordy. It’s all false. We have free trade with China, Mexico and even Canada!! It’s time to open up the Maryland borders to allow wine. You can buy a gun online and have it shipped to you — but wine is illegal?

If you live in Maryland, let the committee members know you support this bill.