1920                                                   VETOES

This bill creates voluntary separation without reasonable expectation of
reconciliation as a ground for a divorce a mensa et thoro.

Senate Bill 646, which was enacted by the General Assembly and signed by
me on April 26, 1973, accomplishes the same purposes as House Bill 639.

Therefore, it is unnecessary for me to sign House Bill 639.

Sincerely,

/s/ Marvin Mandel
Governor

House Bill No. 678 - Minimum Prices for Alcoholic Beverages

AN ACT to add new Section 109(c-2) to Article 2B of the Annotated Code of
Maryland (1968 Replacement Volume), title "Alcoholic Beverages," subtitle
"Restrictions upon Licensees," to follow immediately after Section 109(c-l)
thereof, stating the legislative intent of the General Assembly in the enactment
of this Act; providing for the prohibition of sales by retail dealers below cost;
providing for additional fees for the administration and enforcement of this Act;
providing a penalty for failing to comply with the provisions of this Act; and
generally amending the laws concerning the sale and distribution of alcoholic
beverages in this State; and providing for certain exceptions.

June 1, 1973.

Honorable Thomas Hunter Lowe
Speaker of the House of Delegates
State House
Annapolis, Maryland 21404

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17, of the Maryland Constitution, I have
today vetoed House Bill 678.

House Bill 678 would have the effect of establishing minimum prices for all
alcoholic beverages sold at retail in this State by prohibiting their sale for less than
the cost to the retailer plus a specific markup to cover the "cost of doing
business". In the absence of proof that the cost of doing business is less, the bill
would require that the markup be no less than 12% of the cost of the alcoholic
beverage to the retailer. The stated legislative intent of House Bill 678 is to
eliminate price wars which unduly stimulate the sale and consumption of beer,
wine and liquor, to bring about the orderly sale and distribution thereof, and to
foster and promote temperance. The bill exempts from its coverage alcoholic
beverages sold by or purchased from a Liquor Control Board which buys directly
from a manufacturer.

House Bill 678 represents the third attempt in recent years to establish
minimum markups for alcoholic beverages sold in this State. Governor Tawes
vetoed the two prior measures on the basis that the establishment of minimum
prices for alcoholic beverages had no relation to the stated legislative objectives.
Governor Tawes also questioned the propriety of legislation which would promote
the interest of the small liquor dealer at the expense of the vast majority of
citizens.