Advocates renew calls for legalization of beer, wine sales in Maryland grocery stores

A group of advocates in Maryland is renewing calls for the "long-overdue" legalization of beer and wine sales in grocery stores.

Maryland is one of four states in the U.S. that do not allow the sale of beer in grocery stores, including Delaware, Rhode Island and Alaska.

According to advocates from the Maryland Consumer Freedom Coalition, the ban deprives "consumers of a simple convenience that the vast majority of Marylanders support."

The ban on beer and wine sales in Maryland grocery stores has been in place since 1978, and continues to spark debates for business owners, lawmakers and residents.

Advocates are expected to launch a campaign to push for the legalization of beer and wine grocery store sales during a news conference in Baltimore Thursday afternoon.

Maryland's alcohol sal