Good afternoon everyone,
From time to time, this column has pointed out the state’s puzzling liquor regulations, including the ban on shipping wine or beer to the state and the ban on grocery and convenience store sales.
Delaware is not alone in having head-scratching sets of laws
After the repeal of prohibition nearly a century ago each state was given the power to regulate alcoholic beverages as seen fit.
Along the way, various constituencies including distributors, unions and liquor store owners, were able to construct the current set of laws. Grocery and convenience stores chose not to enter the fray
Delaware also profited from Pennsylvania’s convoluted system that included state-owned beverage stores and the restriction that limited beer distributors (actually retail stores) to selling a case at a time.
The system that limits common ownership to two stores, led to two of the nation’s largest liquor stores being located in Claymont.
The Commonwealth has since loosened up its regulations, although high beverage taxes and ingrained habits haven’t hurt business very much.
Meanwhile, liquor stores in border towns in Maryland took a hit several years ago when Delaware allowed Sunday sales.
The Seattle Times recently asked an online delivery service for alcoholic beverages (imagine that happening in Delaware) for an assortment of odd laws.
It came up with a few doozies.
- In Washington, it is illegal to destroy a beer bottle.
- In Oklahoma, if beer has more than 4 percent alcohol, it must be sold at room temperature.
- In Washington, D.C., it is illegal to use Santa Claus in selling alcohol.
Kansas, which did not end prohibition until after World War II, once had a law that prohibited drinking wine from a teacup.
During my five years in the Sunflower State, you could only get a mixed drink with dinner at a private club. The club did not have to be a country club or fraternal organization. In larger towns, clubs essentially functioned as restaurants.
Clubs faded after “liquor by the drink” was approved in most counties.
Unlike Delaware, Kansas does allow beer to be sold in supermarket or convenience stores
Up until recently, only beer with a 3.2 percent alcohol content could be sold. In at least one area, Kansas, the home of Carrie Nation, has more progressive liquor laws than Delaware.
Enjoy your day.
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