Truly uplifting news has come out of Maryland. Two state legislators there have decided enough is enough where outdated wine shipping restrictions are concerned.

In an unusual twist, the men attempting to minimize the ability of state government to continue menacing wine consumers are Democrats. Sen. Jamie Raskin and Del. Tom Hucker, both of Montgomery Co., Md., participated in hearings this week during which they voiced the opinion that Maryland residents should no longer be prohibited from receiving wine shipments from out-of-state wineries and, presumably, retailers.

“This law dates back to the repeal of Prohibition, and it’s obsolete today,” Raskin (photo at right) said during the hearing, according to a report by The Washington Post in its Feb. 19 editions. “We have an opportunity to strike a blow for market freedom and the civilized pleasure of wine drinking.”