Best Places To Buy Ginger Beer In Maryland

Ginger beer is a popular drink in Maryland, and residents are keen to be able to buy it at their local grocery store. However, Maryland is one of the few states that restrict beer sales to liquor stores. This means that people in Maryland have less convenience and have to pay higher prices for their beer. There is a grassroots movement, Maryland Alcohol Choice, that is campaigning to change these laws and allow beer and wine sales in grocery stores.

Liquor stores in Maryland

If you're looking to buy ginger beer in Maryland, you can try one of the many liquor stores in the state. Here are some options:

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More is a large retailer that offers a wide range of wine, spirits, beer, and cigars. They have multiple locations in Maryland, including in Laurel and Towson. Their stores have extended opening hours, usually from 8 am to 10 or 11 pm, making it convenient for customers to shop at their own convenience.

State Line Liquors

State Line Liquors is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the community for almost 100 years. Located in Elkton, Maryland, they offer a comprehensive selection of wines, beers, and spirits, with regular specials and sales. They also provide tasting events and have a coupon clipper for additional savings.

Other Options

Maryland has a variety of other liquor stores that may carry ginger beer. These stores often have websites or social media pages where you can browse their product offerings, promotions, and events. Some stores may also offer delivery or pickup services, so be sure to explore your options to find the most convenient choice for your needs.

When searching for ginger beer, it's always a good idea to call ahead and check if the store carries the product. Additionally, some stores may have online product listings, making it easier to confirm the availability of ginger beer before visiting.

Grocery stores in Maryland

Maryland is home to a variety of grocery stores, ranging from large chains to smaller, independent shops. Here is an overview of some of the popular grocery stores in the state:

Wegmans

Wegmans is a popular choice for Maryland residents due to its wide variety of specialty items, high-quality produce, and overall cleanliness. It has a large eat-in area with a diverse selection of freshly prepared foods, including pizza, subs, and stir fry. Wegmans also offers a range of high-end products, such as A5 wagyu and white truffles, and its club packs of meat are known to be very reasonably priced. However, it can be expensive, with prices that can be "earth-shattering."

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is another option for Marylanders. It is known for its unique selection of specialty items and reasonably priced products. The store has a loyal following, with many customers appreciating its combination of quality and value.

Safeway

Safeway is a go-to grocery store for many in Maryland. It offers a wide range of products, including generic items that can be more affordable. While it may not be the most affordable option, it is convenient and carries a good selection of items.

Harris Teeter

Harris Teeter is a popular grocery store chain in Maryland. It offers a range of products, including grocery items and specialty foods. While it may not be the most affordable option, it is a convenient choice for many residents.

Aldi

Aldi is known for its low prices and efficient shopping experience. Customers appreciate the store's layout and the ease of finding what they need. It offers a good selection of basic items and is ideal for those who want to save money on their grocery bills.

Other Options

In addition to the stores mentioned above, Maryland is also home to other grocery chains such as Food Lion, Lidl, Giant, Walmart, and Weis. These stores offer a range of options in terms of pricing and product selection, ensuring that residents have access to affordable and convenient grocery shopping.

Chain stores in Maryland

Maryland is one of the few states that restrict beer sales to liquor stores. This means that large chain stores, such as Walmart, Target, and Costco, are unable to sell beer and wine. However, there are some exceptions, as a few dozen chain stores were grandfathered in. This can be confusing for consumers who want to buy alcohol.

One store that appears to be able to sell beer in Maryland is State Line Liquors, which has a location in Elkton, Maryland.

There is a push to reform Maryland's liquor laws, with polls showing that almost 80% of Marylanders support being allowed to buy beer and wine at their local grocery store.

Online alcohol delivery in Maryland

If you're in Maryland and are looking to buy alcohol online, there are several options available to you.

Minibar Delivery

Minibar Delivery offers wine, liquor, and beer delivery in as little as 30-60 minutes. They have a $5 delivery fee and you can browse from thousands of products, including well-known brands such as Casamigos, Fireball, Tito's, and Veuve Clicquot.

Instacart

Instacart allows you to shop for beer, wine, liquor, and extras like mixers and soda via their app or website. You can then get connected with a shopper who will deliver your order. Same-day delivery is available, and you can choose a delivery time that fits your schedule. Delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35, and tipping is optional but encouraged.

Gopuff

Gopuff delivers alcoholic beverages like craft beer, hard seltzer, liquor, and wines in many, but not all markets. They operate 24/7 in several markets and are open late everywhere else. Contactless delivery is not available for orders containing alcohol, and a valid ID must be provided at the time of delivery.

State Line Liquors

State Line Liquors is a family-owned business that has been operating since 1932. They offer a wide range of wines, beers, spirits, and liqueurs. While they do not explicitly mention online delivery, they do have a website and provide their address and contact information.

Alcohol laws in Maryland

Underage Possession and Consumption

It is illegal for individuals under 21 to possess or consume alcohol in Maryland. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule:

• Underage individuals employed by businesses with a valid state-issued liquor license may possess alcohol but not consume it during work hours. This includes serving alcoholic drinks, making deliveries, or stocking shelves.
• Underage individuals may possess or consume alcohol in a private residence if it is allowed or furnished by an immediate family member, typically a parent.
• Alcohol may be consumed as part of a religious ceremony, such as Communion in Roman Catholic or Episcopal churches.

Furnishing Alcohol to Underage Persons

It is illegal to purchase or provide alcohol to anyone under 21, and adults who knowingly allow underage drinking on their property may also be subject to legal consequences. However, there are specific exempt circumstances provided by Maryland law.

Employment in the Alcohol Industry

To serve or sell alcoholic beverages, individuals must be at least 21 years old. However, those who are 18 or older can work in other capacities at establishments that serve alcohol, such as serving non-alcoholic beverages or working in the kitchen.

Open Container Law

Maryland has an open container law that prohibits open containers with any amount of alcohol within the passenger area of a motor vehicle. This law also applies to passengers consuming alcohol in the passenger area, except in hired vehicles like taxis, limousines, and buses, as well as the living areas of motor homes.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Maryland, with a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% for adults. For drivers under 21, there is a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol in their system is illegal. Violation of these laws can result in fines and other penalties.

Alcohol Taxation

Maryland charges excise taxes on alcoholic beverages, which are added to the federal alcohol excise taxes. The state taxes include a $0.09/gallon tax on beer, a $0.40/gallon tax on wine, and a $1.50/gallon tax on distilled spirits. Additionally, a 9% sales tax is applied to all alcoholic beverages at the consumer level.

Sunday Sales

Most Maryland counties prohibit the off-premise sale of alcohol on Sundays. However, those that do allow Sunday sales have specific hours, typically from 11 AM to 12 AM.

Hours for Retail Alcohol Sales

Each Maryland county has different hours for alcohol sales, which can vary from 6 AM to 2 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, with Sunday sales varying greatly across counties.

Direct-to-Consumer Shipping

Maryland allows alcohol delivery to residences through licensed third-party services. However, the client must provide proof of age upon delivery, confirming they are 21 or older.

Frequently asked questions