J. MILLARD TAWES, Governor                     2217

given yard, but solely upon the number. Clearly, some junked ve-
hicles have greater value than others; yet, House Bill No. 506 de-
mands that the yard owner pay the same tax on every vehicle,
regardless of value. This our Declaration of Rights forbids.

For the foregoing reasons, it is our opinion that House Bill No.
506 is constitutionally defective.

Very truly yours,

(s) Thomas B. Finan,

Attorney General.
TBF/h

House Bill No. 570—Minimum Prices for Alcoholic Beverages

AN ACT to add new Section 109 (c-1) to Article 2B of the Anno-
tated Code of Maryland (1957 Edition), title "Alcoholic Beverages,"
subtitle "Restrictions Upon Licensees," to follow immediately after
Section 109 (c) thereof, stating the legislative intent of the Gen-
eral Assembly in the enactment of this Act; providing for the filing,
publication and maintenance of minimum prices in sale at retail of
liquor and wine in containers for off-premises consumption; provid-
ing for additional fees for the administration and enforcement of
this Act; providing a penalty for failing to comply with the pro-
visions of this Act; and generally amending the laws concerning the
sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in this State; and ex-
empting certain counties from the provisions of this Act.

May 6, 1963.

Honorable Marvin Mandel
Acting Speaker
House of Delegates
State House
Annapolis, Md.

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with the provisions of Article 2, Section 17, of the
Maryland Constitution, I have vetoed House Bill 570 and I am re-
turning this Bill to you accompanied by my veto message.

House Bill 570 would permit the establishment of minimum retail
prices for alcoholic beverages, except beer, in Maryland with the
exception of nine counties. The minimum prices would be filed with
the State Comptroller by the manufacturer or wholesaler with the
responsibility for enforcement resting with the Comptroller.

It has been argued that House Bill 570 is in the public's interest
in that it would have the effect of stabilizing prices within the indus-
try and providing for an orderly distribution of alcoholic beverages.

It also has been argued that many small retail outlets in Mary-
land suffer a competitive disadvantage because large retail outlets,
with their larger volume, can sell at lower prices.

While I sympathize with the problems faced by many small retail
liquor dealers, I am not convinced that House Bill 570 serves the