Ch. 52

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

designated sales agent. The brewer, distiller, rectifier, bottler, manufacturer, vintner,
winery, importer and their designated agent may not discriminate directly or indirectly in
price between Maryland licensees.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any brand of beer
presently being sold, consigned, or delivered in Maryland by the holder of a nonresident
dealer's permit from a location outside Maryland to persons in Maryland who are
authorized to receive it under this article may continue to be sold, consigned, or delivered
until such time as the brewer, the importer, or designated sales agent of the brewer or the
importer of that brand of beer preempts the sales territory by appointing a franchisee as
provided in §§ 17-101 through 17-107, inclusive, the Beer Franchise Fair Dealing Act, of
this article.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a nonresident
dealer's permit is not required to make direct sales and shipments to a wholesaler within
this State from a location outside the continental limits and possessions of the United
States.

(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, in Montgomery
County the alcohol beverage purchasing power shall be as described in § 15-205(k) of this
article.

(j) The holder of a permit may import into this State alcoholic beverages for
storage in public warehouses, for subsequent shipment outside this State and not for sale,
consignment or delivery to any person within this State.

(k) This permit may be issued in the discretion of the Office of the Comptroller
and, if issued, shall grant a resident or nonresident holder the privilege of selling, or
offering for sale, wines or distilled spirits to manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers in this
State. A permit holder may not contact consumers, and if the person holding the permit
is employed by a nonresident dealer, the person holding the permit is not permitted to
sell, promote or offer for sale alcoholic beverages to retail dealers, except for the account
of a Maryland wholesaler or manufacturer who is a distributor for the products of the
employer of the nonresident person holding such a permit.

(1) The holder of a permit may establish a distilled spirits plant solely for the
purpose of manufacturing, processing, storing, using, or distributing distilled spirits to be
used exclusively for fuel purposes and not for beverage purposes.

(m) (1) A national family beer and wine exhibition permit may be issued at the
discretion of the Office of the Comptroller to a bona fide national family wine
association, national family beer association, or national family beer and wine association.

(2) The permit holder may conduct a national family beer and wine
exhibition and competition.

(3) The permit holder may receive for use, exhibition, and tastings at a
national family beer and wine exhibit:

(i) Tax free family-produced beer and wine;

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