Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control Supports Local Small Businesses

For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 9, 2019

The Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control (DLC) is spotlighting Maryland Made products to help small, local Maryland alcohol manufacturers thrive in a highly competitive marketplace.

This initiative includes several significant changes ranging from increased signage at DLC retail stores to a simplified listing process for these products, marketing assistance and the hire of new DLC retail chief, Kent Massie. He is actively reaching out to local manufacturers to determine how to best help these businesses.

“The Maryland Made program furthers small, local alcohol producer’s distribution significantly, giving them space on the shelves of 25 DLC retail stores throughout Montgomery County,” said Bob Dorfman, DLC director. “Supporting local alcohol manufacturers helps spur the local economy through job creation, attracting visitors and offering gathering places. This ongoing program continues to benefit the County’s local economy.”

In the streamlined and simplified listing process, local products are coded as a LOC item (local, small Maryland business product).  The tag enables these partners to have the option to deliver their products directly to one store for DLC pickup and circulation among stores. This avoids an additional markup using their state self-distribution license and ensures competitive pricing.

Additionally, the minimum 66-case distribution level, which works well for larger companies, was eliminated for local manufacturers, and LOC businesses can choose to distribute in all or just some of the County’s 25 retail stores.

Small Maryland businesses have 18 months to develop their brand in stores. At the one-year mark, they are measured for success based on the performance of other LOC tags only. If the brands are under-performing in sales, DLC will offer an in-depth consultation on expectations needed to remain as a stock item and additional joint marketing strategies will be explored.

The DLC also has incorporated a section within every store that prominently features local items in high traffic areas. Signage will highlight products as Maryland Made.

The DLC further promotes local products though social media posts and creation of ads sent to subscribers by email. Stores invite manufacturers to do complimentary, in-store tastings for customers and educational seminars to store staff.

“These businesses are good for everyone,” said Massie. “They make our community interesting, they bring people here and they create jobs. We owe them a chance to succeed by supporting them in every way that we can.” 

The DLC hopes the Maryland Made program will inspire future startups.

Maryland is home to about 100 breweries, more than 80 wineries and around 20 distilleries supporting thousands of jobs and generating millions in state revenue. While these businesses have done well creating quality products, sales at the retail level have been an uphill battle for many.

For more information about the DLC, visit its website and follow the DLC on Facebook and Twitter.

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Release ID: 19-155
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-777-1904