Consumer advocates pleaded with lawmakers Monday to let customers bring their own bottles of wine to restaurants in Baltimore City and three other counties, saying the state's high-end eateries want to extend the option to their clienteles.
But opponents of the legislation, including the Restaurant Association of Maryland and the liquor lobby, argued Monday before the House Economic Matters Committee that the arrangement would eat into restaurant profits and generate uncertainty about liability when consumers drink too much.
Restaurants opting to participate could charge up to $25 in corkage fees to customers who bring their own wine. In addition to Baltimore, the General Assembly is considering allowing corkage in Frederick, Prince George's and Montgomery counties.
Advocates said they hope to eventually lift the probation statewide.
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