1714 VETOES.

sistent with the State-wide law in the opinion of the Attorney
General.

Chapter 661 (House Bill 713). This bill provides new regu-
lations affecting certain classes of licenses for alcoholic bever-
ages in Montgomery County. The State Law Department
advises that these provisions are inconsistent with the State-
wide measure and should be vetoed.

Chapter 685 (House Bill 865). The State Law Department
recommends that this bill be vetoed. In the formal opinion
discussing the various enactments of the Legislature, the
Attorney General declares that this measure "is out of step
with State policy and actually sets a higher fee for beer
licenses in Frederick County than for beer and wine licenses. "
This, obviously, will defeat its purpose, and I am therefore
vetoing it.

Chapter 773 (Senate Bill 415). The State Law Department
advises that this bill should be vetoed on the basis of its dis-
criminatory features. The Attorney General points out that
the provisions of the bill would mark a departure from the
system established by the State in respect to taxation on beer,
because the tax sought to be imposed in this enactment is not
011 a gallonage basis as is the case in the State system. The
following excerpt from the opinion rendered by the Attorney
General sets forth the objection to the bill:

"Chapter 773 (Senate Bill 415) imposes a local
Worcester County tax of 5¢ a case and 50¢ a barrel on
beer, collectible from the manufacturers and whole-
salers. The counties now get all the local license fees,
all fines and forfeitures and profits from dispensary
systems. The State, both for revenue and for regula-
tory purposes, should not allow the counties to dupli-
cate its production tax. "

In view of the aforegoing, to the effect that this would be
an innovation and would be bad policy, I am vetoing the
measure.

Chapter 776 (Senate Bill 444). This bill relates to the sale
and possession of intoxicating liquors in Kent County. The
provisions of the State law are sufficient to accomplish the
same purpose, and I am accordingly vetoing this bill.

ALLEGANY COUNTY.

Chapter 343 (Senate Bill 426), is being vetoed because it
was passed as an alternative measure to safeguard the interest