As I was perusing The New York Times this morning I came across a full page ad promoting something called the Zagat Wine Club. The club promises to help members choose wines much like their renowned Zagat Guide has helped diners find excellent restaurants.
“There’s no obligation. You can change any wines or delay delivery. Each case arrives with detailed tasting notes and a full money-back guarantee.”
As someone who enjoys a good glass of wine, this sounded right up my alley.
But wait, in the small print at the bottom of the page was a list of the 32 states and the District of Columbia where the club can deliver. The state of Maryland was not among them.
I’m not surprised. Much as the food workers union fights to limit your grocery choices around here, the Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association works to limit your booze choices.
The MSLBA is the largest trade association in the state. They maintain a powerful lobby that aggressively fights to protect the interests of liquor store owners and dealers at the expense of the consumer.
That’s why we are one of the 18 states where you can’t join the Zagat Wine Club.
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