Smyrna times., 1912-03-27
LOCAL OPTION BILL HAS
PASSED IN MARYLAND
GETS THROUGH THE LEGISLA-
TURE BY A BARE MAJORITY
Provisions of the Act Regulating the
Holding of Elections and the Sale
of Liquor in State of Maryland


Holding of Elections and the Sale
of Liquor in State of Maryland
After a stubborn fight, which for
the time being threw the Maryland
State Legislature in turmoil. a
local option bill has been passed by
the close vote of 81 for and AZ
against. The last fight was full of
personalities, charges of bribery.
etc. The temperance people, while
not getting every thing they wanted
are thankful for what they have
attained. The provisions of the
Maryland local option laws are as
follows:
Upon petition of not less than
one fourth of the voters of any
county, election district. city, town,
village or ward, fled at least 60
days before November election,
the question whether such political
subdivision shall become "anti-
saloon territory" shall be submitted
to the voters thereof, and a majority
vote Eyes" of those voting upon
the question, shall be binding. A
vote shall become operative on the
first of May following the date
when all licenses expire in Mary
land.
Anti-salocn territory" shall
mean all territory within the limits
of any county, election district, city
town, village or ward in this state
in which through the action of the
legal voters therein. as provided by
this act, the sale of intoxicating
liquor, except as herein provided, is
prohibited.
"City, " 'town" or "village"
shall mean an incorporated city, town
or village.
political subdivision shall
mean county, election district,
city, town, village or ward. 4"
The Identical political subdivision
cannot vote again, regardless of the
result, before the second annual
election, following.
Provides punishment not only for
selling, but for keeping liquor with
intent to sell in violation of the act.
For first offense penalty is fine or
Imprisonment, or both: for second
offense fine and Imprisonment; for
third offense fine and imprisonment
in the House of Correction. Makes
it the duty of officers having know
ledge of same to give information of
previous conviction and provides
method of proving the same.
Declares that devices to evade
the law, such as soliciting orders,
etc., shall be considered an unlaw-
full selling.
Makes it unlawful to sell liquor or
issue licenses in anti-saloon territory
except in case of sales required by
law.
Prohibits shipment into or de-
livery within anti-saloon territory
except as permitted by the laws of
the United States. but does not ap-
ply to small quantities carried on
the person or as personal baggage,
nor to deliver to druggists OF
physicians Of not over five gallons
at one time, nor to deliver to
churches for sacramental purposes
nor to deliveries at private resi-.
dences where sale is consummated
outside of anti-saloon territory, mol
to cities where only part of their
area is anti-saloon territory. Hand.
ling, ETC., of liquor under false name
to work forfeiture of the liquor.
Possession of Internal Revenue
tax receipt is prima facie evidence
of the sale of liquor.
A private residence cannot be
searched unless it is a place of pub
lie resort. The person making tn,
affidavit for the warrant may accom-
pany the officer and give information
and assistance.