Alcohol industry lobbyists assailed a Maryland bill restricting the sale of alcopops to establishments with distilled spirit licenses, the Baltimore Sun reported Feb. 24.

The bill (HB 1180), sponsored by Del. William Bronrott (D-Montgomery County), would limit sales of flavored malt beverages to businesses with distilled spirits licenses -- essentially prohibiting some 1,400 beer-and-wine retailers such as convenience stores from selling the products.

However state liquor lobbyists convinced the House Economic Matters Committee that evidence presented by the bill proponents about alcopops and youth was "absolutely false."

"This bill is bloodied," said Bruce Bereano, who lobbies for the Licensed Beverage Distributors of Maryland. "[The bill is] beaten up pretty badly."

Bill backers claimed that the makers of alcopops target underage drinkers, and pointed to a study that found underage youth tend to favor the sweet, fruity beverages. "This is precisely the kind of reasonable measure that will help prevent youth drinking," said Marlene Trestman, of the attorney general's office.

Gov. Martin O'Malley also supported the legislation, although he upheld beer-equivalent status for the drinks last year.

The Committee is set to discuss also a bill that would allow wineries to ship wine directly to customers. Committee Chairman Dereck Davis said he feels the Committee will reject the bill, as it may make it easier for minors to access alcohol.