Costco’s alcohol department has grown a reputation for offering high-quality alcohol. However, if you visit locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland, you won't find any.

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the U.S. Liquor is sold in state-run stores and beer and wine is sold at grocers with a license, which Costco doesn't have.

In Maryland statewide, grocery store chains cannot sell alcohol, except for 20 stores that were grandfathered into the state law when it passed in 1978. Costco is not among them.