Alcohol laws: Why do liquor rules vary drastically from state-to-state?
By Jim Lokay
October 12, 2017
WASHINGTON – From state to state, the rules of buying your favorite alcoholic beverages are drastically different.
In D.C., you can buy beer and wine at grocery stores, but spirits are mostly found in privately owned liquor stores.
Virginians can do the same, though the commonwealth-owned ABC stores handle liquor sales.
In Maryland, a state task force is currently considering ways to move from the current model, which restricts beer and wine sales at many local stores.
It’s an issue that may not be at the forefront of Congress, but it’s playing out in state houses and on main streets across the country.
On “The Final 5,” FOX 5’s Jim Lokay was joined by Jarrett Dieterle from DrinksReform.org to talk about ways his group is working to reform alcoholic beverage laws across the country.
Dieterle calls it a free-market issue, while some states believe a government-controlled system better serves communities in keeping alcoholic beverages out of the hands of minors.
As always, you can interact with Jim Lokay and share your thoughts on Twitter and Facebook.