Maryland's alcohol laws – like those in most other states – were conceived after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. They were basically designed to allow the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in limited quantities. These laws have been relaxed as needed throughout the years, though the core function of the law can still be found in the first section of the code:

"It is the policy of the State of Maryland that it is necessary to regulate and control the manufacture, sale, distribution, transportation and storage of alcoholic beverages within this State and the transportation and distribution of alcoholic beverages into and out of this State to obtain respect and obedience to law and to foster and promote temperance."

Actual Law: Article 2-B Alcoholic Beverages
§ 1-101.
(a) (1) It is the policy of the State of Maryland that it is necessary to regulate and control the manufacture, sale, distribution, transportation and storage of alcoholic beverages within this State and the transportation and distribution of alcoholic beverages into and out of this State to obtain respect and obedience to law and to foster and promote temperance.

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(b)(2) The officials and agencies granted powers and authority by this article to regulate and engage in the alcoholic beverages industry may displace or limit economic competition by regulating and engaging in the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages or both on an exclusive basis as provided in this article and may adopt and enforce regulations authorized by this article notwithstanding any anticompetitive effect.

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