- Dec 12, 2000
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Well, I've been hearing good things about Trader Joe's for quite some time, and I even shopped at one while I was out in California earlier this summer. One of the most awesome things about Trader Joe's is their unique beer and wine selection. By now everyone's heard of "Two Buck Chuck" and even the Wall Street Journal wine guide as included recommendations on Trader Joe's wines. So you can imagine how pleased I was to learn that there was a Trader Joe's a few miles down the street from where I lived.
Now imagine my horror when I walk in, roam around, and realize my store doesn't have ANY beer or wine!! :| :| :| I walk up to the store manager and ask him what's up, and he tells me that local laws don't allow beer or wine sales in supermarkets. "Bullsh**", I tell him, "my local Safeway has beer and wine in the store!" He asks me if I live up by Briggs Chaney, and I say yes. He smiles and says, "That store is grandfathered in. They bought out a local liquor store and built a grocery store on their premises, so their license to sell is based on the old company's name."
Apparently the legislation isn't state law, but a Montgomery County law that prohibits national retailers (i.e. WalMart, Safeway, Trader Joe's, other chains) from selling beer, wine or spirits. This was enacted to protect local mom and pop liquor stores from price competition, and to maintain the Three Tier distribution system (some national retailers have found ways to circumvent this.) All I know is this is one surefire way to PISS OFF any beer and wine connoisseurs! I haven't checked the laws in neighboring Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties, but its pointless because all Trader Joe's locations listed on the site say no beer and wine in Maryland.
Now imagine my horror when I walk in, roam around, and realize my store doesn't have ANY beer or wine!! :| :| :| I walk up to the store manager and ask him what's up, and he tells me that local laws don't allow beer or wine sales in supermarkets. "Bullsh**", I tell him, "my local Safeway has beer and wine in the store!" He asks me if I live up by Briggs Chaney, and I say yes. He smiles and says, "That store is grandfathered in. They bought out a local liquor store and built a grocery store on their premises, so their license to sell is based on the old company's name."
Apparently the legislation isn't state law, but a Montgomery County law that prohibits national retailers (i.e. WalMart, Safeway, Trader Joe's, other chains) from selling beer, wine or spirits. This was enacted to protect local mom and pop liquor stores from price competition, and to maintain the Three Tier distribution system (some national retailers have found ways to circumvent this.) All I know is this is one surefire way to PISS OFF any beer and wine connoisseurs! I haven't checked the laws in neighboring Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties, but its pointless because all Trader Joe's locations listed on the site say no beer and wine in Maryland.
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