I agree with Marc Kilmer's comments about the alcohol tax in Maryland ("Alcohol tax: Haven't we been here before?," Commentary, Aug. 13). The real question, however, is when will the politicians make this state more hospitable to the brewing industry?

In the last 20 years, there must be close to a dozen microbreweries which have started in Maryland, only to go out of business a few years later. A simple Google search shows that Virginia has far more microbreweries and wineries than Maryland. Why?

Wouldn't it make more sense to have more manufacturing jobs in Maryland as opposed to raising taxes on the output?

James Bauernschmidt, Severna Park