Maryland Senate Seeks To Ban Grain Alcohol

And you thought prohibition ended in 1933. Earlier this month, the Maryland Senate voted in favor of a new bill that would essentially ban the sale of alcohol comprised of 95% of more alcohol per volume (APV). Whether you’re currently a Maryland resident or not, you should pay close attention to what the Senate here does, as it may spread into other states as well.

Midnight Moon Apple Pie Moonshine: photo by nan palmero.

Maryland Senate Bill 75 aims to prohibit the sale of high-alcohol spirits by imposing a maximum fine of $1,000 on violators. However, it’s important to note that this bill only affects spirits of 190 proof (95% ABV) or higher. If you prefer the ‘softer’ spirits, you don’t have to worry about this bill. On the other hand, if you enjoy a glass of moonshine every once in a while, this bill could certainly impact your normal routine.

“We found very few kids who are drinking grain alcohol for a casual nip at dinner. This is as strong as you can get. There is no product that I know of higher than this. This is the outlier,” said David H. Jerniga, director of Alcohol Marketing and Youth.

There are around a dozen other states which have passed similar bills designed to prohibit sales of high-alcohol spirits, including Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

But not everyone is in favor of passing the Maryland Bill 75. There are plenty of residents, business owners and politicians who believe it’s the individual’s own right to decide whether or not they wash to drink a high-alcohol spirit such as moonshine.

“Yet again, the alcohol industry is being blamed for a problem it didn’t create. Next year, what are they going to do? Introduce a bill to ban 180-proof,” said David Marberger, president of the Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association.

The good news is that just because the Maryland Senate voted in favor of Bill 75 doesn’t necessarily mean it will pass. Once the senate approves a bill, it then passes to the House of Delegates who has the final word. The Maryland Senate has approved this same bill twice in previous years, and both times it was shot down in the House of Delegates. While there’s a good change it will get denied for a third time, Maryland residents remain dubious of their politicians’ goals.

What do you think about Maryland’s Bill 75? Let us know in the comments section below!