May 26, 2005

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis, MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, today I have vetoed Senate Bill 451 - Caroline County and Cecil County - Alcoholic Beverages - Wineries.

This bill adds Caroline and Cecil coumties to the list of counties in which a holder of a Class 4 manufacturer's license may also hold a Class A light wine license, exempts them from quotas regarding the number of licenses in the election district in which the winery is located, and specifies that the combined license fee would be set by the Caroline County License Commissioners. In Cecil County, the annual license fee would be $50. Additionally, the bill increases tha maximum allowable percentage of alcohol by volume in Cecil County from 15.5% to 22%. House Bill 851, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 451.

Very truly yours,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor