It just authorizes sales of draft beer in Montgomery County. There is still ample time to pass a local bill, but we will just have to see what happens Thursday. Last year's bill died in the delegation on a 3-3 vote, with the Democrats voting against it and some local beer distributors in opposition. The issue was complicated Tuesday after Milo Dakin, a contract lobbyist for the beer industry, said draft sales should be linked to Sunday beer sales. If we are going to negotiate draft beer, we would like Sunday sales as part of the negotiation.
Wholesalers lose money on draft beer.
He said he would consider a draft beer bill more favorably if Sunday sales were authorized also. Rep. Alvin Holmes, D-Montgomery, said he could support Sunday sales after 4 p.m. He said after the bill has been legally advertised, a substantial change such as adding Sunday sales would not be constitutional. He said he opposes draft beer, but would not block the bill. Rep John Knight, D-Montgomery, said he would not oppose Sunday sales, but had not had time to form an opinion on draft beer.