Free the Grapes in Maryland!

My friend Karen just forwarded me an email from Free the Grapes, an organization dedicated to loosening up the draconian wine shipping laws we live under here in Maryland (and other states). Our legislature is considering a bill that would allow a limited amount of wine to be shipped directly to consumers in Maryland. Here's some of what FTG has to say:

Maryland's state legislators are considering Senate Bill 616 and House Bill 1260, which, if passed, will significantly expand your choice in wine. The bills are based on the "model" direct shipping bill working successfully in the majority of states and allow ANY licensed winery or retailer in the US, regardless of its location, to ship a limited amount of wine to you.

HB 1260 was heard February 18 in the House Economic Matters Committee with favorable testimony from consumers, retailers, local and out-of-state winery representatives. SB616 will be heard March 7, 1:00 in the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, Miller Senate Office Building, 2 West Wing, 11 Bladen St., Annapolis. Testimony from Maryland wine lovers is strongly encouraged, so please attend and share your thoughts.

ACTION:

1. Testify at the Senate hearing March 7.

2. Forward this message: Encourage your friends, family and colleagues to support
consumer choice in wine! Sign-up at www.freethegrapes.org for updates on the
Maryland bills' progress.

3. Personalize a message, below, to your Maryland Senator and Delegate.

If you're able, please do help out!