Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis, Title 14

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis, Title 14
in effect

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-101

(a) In this title: (1) the definitions in § 1–101 of this article apply without exception or variation; and (2) the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Board” means the Board of License Commissioners for Calvert County. (c) “County” means Calvert County. (d) “Light wine” means wine that contains not more than 15.5% of alcohol by volume.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-103

A copy of any legislation concerning alcoholic beverages enacted by the County Commissioners under this title shall be sent to the Department of Legislative Services, 90 State Circle, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-202

(a) (1) The Governor shall appoint three regular members and one substitute member to the Board. (2) The appointments shall be made: (i) if the Senate is in session, with the advice and consent of the Senate; or (ii) if the Senate is not in session, by the Governor alone. (b) (1) Each member of the Board shall be: (i) a resident and voter of the county; and (ii) an individual of high character and integrity and of recognized business capacity. (2) One regular member of the Board shall always be a member of the political party that at the last preceding gubernatorial election polled the second highest number of votes throughout the State for that office. (c) (1) The substitute member serves on the Board in the absence of a regular member. (2) When serving on the Board, the substitute member has all of the powers and responsibilities of a regular member. (d) The term of a member is 2 years. (e) (1) The Governor shall appoint an eligible individual to fill a vacancy that occurs during the term of office of the individual originally appointed in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. (2) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. (f) (1) The Governor may remove a member for misconduct in office, incompetence, or willful neglect of duty. (2) The Governor shall give a member who is charged a copy of the charges against the member and, with at least 10 days’ notice, an opportunity to be heard publicly in person or by counsel. (3) If a member is removed, the Governor shall file with the Office of the Secretary of State a statement of charges against the member and the Governor’s findings on the charges.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-204

(a) (1) The chair of the Board shall receive $5,000 annually for expenses incurred while performing the duties of the office. (2) Each regular member of the Board shall receive $4,350 annually for expenses incurred while performing the duties of the office. (3) The substitute member of the Board shall receive $200 for each meeting of the Board attended as an acting regular member for expenses incurred while performing the duties of the office. (b) Subject to § 14–205 of this subtitle, the Board: (1) may employ: (i) a secretary; (ii) inspectors; and (iii) clerical and other assistants as are necessary; and (2) shall set the compensation of the employees. (c) The Board may appoint a clerk and an attorney at salaries that the County Commissioners set. (d) The Board of County Commissioners shall pay the salaries and expenses of the Board of License Commissioners.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-204.1

§14–204.1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, at least 3 months before submitting a legislative proposal to the county delegation for introduction as a bill in a session of the General Assembly, the Board shall: (1) post a notice of the proposal on the Board’s website; (2) send a notice of the proposal by e–mail to each license holder; and (3) hold a public hearing on the proposal. (b) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a legislative proposal to the county delegation for introduction as an emergency bill in a session of the General Assembly.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-205

With the approval of the County Commissioners, the Board may appoint full–time or part–time inspectors who: (1) shall have their salaries set by the County Commissioners on an annual or per diem basis; and (2) shall be paid reasonable expenses related to performance of their duties.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-401

(a) The following sections of Title 2, Subtitle 2 (“Manufacturer’s Licenses”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) § 2–201 (“Issuance by Comptroller”); (2) § 2–202 (“Class 1 distillery license”); (3) § 2–203 (“Class 9 limited distillery license”); (4) § 2–204 (“Class 2 rectifying license”); (5) § 2–205 (“Class 3 winery license”); (6) § 2–206 (“Class 4 limited winery license”); (7) § 2–207 (“Class 5 brewery license”); (8) § 2–208 (“Class 6 pub–brewery license”); (9) § 2–209 (“Class 7 micro–brewery license”); (10) § 2–210 (“Class 8 farm brewery license”); (11) § 2–211 (“Residency requirement”); (12) § 2–212 (“Additional licenses”); (13) § 2–213 (“Additional fees”); (14) § 2–214 (“Sale or delivery restricted”); (15) § 2–216 (“Interaction between manufacturing entities and retailers”); (16) § 2–217 (“Distribution of alcoholic beverages — Prohibited practices”); and (17) § 2–218 (“Restrictive agreements between producers and retailers — Prohibited”). (b) Section 2–215 (“Beer sale on credit to retail dealer prohibited”) of Division I of this article does not apply in the county.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-501

(a) The following sections of Title 2, Subtitle 3 (“Wholesaler’s Licenses”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) § 2–301 (“Licenses issued by Comptroller”); (2) § 2–302 (“Class 1 beer, wine, and liquor wholesaler’s license”); (3) § 2–303 (“Class 2 wine and liquor wholesaler’s license”); (4) § 2–304 (“Class 3 beer and wine wholesaler’s license”); (5) § 2–305 (“Class 4 beer wholesaler’s license”); (6) § 2–306 (“Class 5 wine wholesaler’s license”); (7) § 2–307 (“Class 6 limited wine wholesaler’s license”); (8) § 2–308 (“Class 7 limited beer wholesaler’s license”); (9) § 2–309 (“Sale and delivery of beer or wine from wholesaler’s vehicle”); (10) § 2–310 (“Sale and delivery to retail license holder”); (11) § 2–311 (“Additional wholesaler’s licenses”); (12) § 2–312 (“Direct importation of alcoholic beverages”); (13) § 2–313 (“Sale or delivery restricted to holder of license or permit”); (14) § 2–315 (“Interaction between wholesaling entities and retailers”); (15) § 2–316 (“Distribution of alcoholic beverages — Prohibited practices”); and (16) § 2–317 (“Restrictive agreements between wholesalers and retailers — Prohibited”). (b) Section 2–314 (“Beer sale on credit to retail dealer prohibited”) of Division I of this article does not apply in the county.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-502

Except as provided in § 14–503 of this subtitle, a holder of a wholesaler’s license may sell or deliver alcoholic beverages to a holder of a retail license from 6 a.m. to midnight on every day except Sunday.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-503

(a) A holder of a wholesaler’s license may enter into an agreement with a holder of a per diem license issued under Subtitle 13 of this title to deliver beer on the effective date of the per diem license and accept returns on the same day. (b) The agreement entered into under subsection (a) of this section shall include the type of equipment, services, personnel, and supplies required to dispense draft beer.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-601

(a) There is a Class A beer license. (b) (1) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer at retail to consumers at the place described in the license. (2) The license holder shall sell the beer in a sealed package or container. (3) The package or container may not be opened and its contents may not be consumed on the premises where the beer is sold. (c) The annual license fee is $150.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-602

(a) There is a Class B beer license. (b) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer at retail at a hotel or restaurant at the place described in the license for on– and off–premises consumption. (c) The license holder is eligible to be issued a special event festival permit under § 14–906 of this title. (d) The annual license fee is $250.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-603

(a) There is a Class C beer license. (b) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer at retail to members of a club and their guests at the place described in the license for on–premises consumption. (c) The annual license fee is $50.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-604

(a) There is a Class D beer license. (b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the license authorizes the license holder to sell beer at retail at the place described in the license for on– and off–premises consumption. (2) A license may not be issued for a drugstore. (c) The license holder is eligible to be issued a special event festival permit under § 14–906 of this title. (d) The annual license fee is $1,000.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-701

(a) There is a Class A light wine license in the county. (b) The license may be issued to a holder of a Class 4 limited winery license. (c) (1) The license authorizes the license holder to sell at retail at the place described in the license light wine produced at the winery. (2) Light wine shall be sold in a sealed package or container that may not be opened or its contents consumed on the licensed premises. (d) The annual license fee is $50.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-801

(a) There is a Class A beer and light wine license. (b) (1) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer and light wine, at retail, at the place described in the license. (2) The license holder shall sell the beer and light wine in a sealed package or container. (3) The package or container may not be opened and its contents may not be consumed on the premises where the beer or light wine is sold. (c) The annual license fee is $300.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-802

(a) There is a Class B beer and light wine license. (b) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer and light wine at a hotel or restaurant, at retail, at the place described in the license, for on– and off–premises consumption. (c) The license holder is eligible to be issued a special event festival permit under § 14–906 of this title. (d) The annual license fee is $250.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-901

(a) There is a Class A beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) (1) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor at retail at the place described in the license. (2) The license holder shall deliver the beer, wine, or liquor in a sealed package or container that may not be opened or its contents consumed on the licensed premises. (c) A license may not be issued for a drugstore unless the applicant: (1) has been doing business at the location applied for in the license for at least 1 year before the date of the application for the license; (2) is the assignee of a business established for at least 1 year before the date of the application for the license at the location applied for; or (3) has been engaged in the retail drug business for at least 3 years. (d) The annual license fee is $1,000.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-902

(a) There is a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) The Board may issue the license to the owner of a hotel that: (1) is in a building at least three stories tall that was originally constructed for hotel purposes; (2) has a capital investment of at least $500,000; and (3) contains: (i) at least one passenger elevator; (ii) at least 100 rooms for the accommodation of the public; and (iii) a dining room with facilities for preparing and serving regular meals for at least 125 individuals at one seating. (c) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor at retail at a hotel or restaurant at the place described in the license, for on– or off–premises consumption. (d) The annual license fee is: (1) $1,250, if the licensed premises remains open until midnight; or (2) $2,250, if the licensed premises remains open until 2 a.m.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-903

(a) There is a Class BR beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor in a restaurant at the place described in the license for on–premises consumption with meals. (c) The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor during the hours and days as set out for a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license under § 14–2004(b) of this title. (d) The annual license fee is $500.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-904

(a) There is a Class C beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) The Board may issue the license for use by: (1) a country club; (2) a post home of a post of the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars; or (3) a yacht club that is approved by the Board. (c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor at a club at the place described in the license, for on–premises consumption. (2) A license for use in a post home allows for the sale of liquor only by the drink. (d) The annual license fee: (1) for a country club is $1,000; (2) for a post home is $500; and (3) for a yacht club is $500.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-905

(a) There is a Class D beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor at retail at the place described in the license, for on– and off–premises consumption. (c) The license may not be issued for use by a drugstore. (d) The annual license fee is: (1) $1,250, if the licensed premises remains open until midnight; or (2) $2,250, if the licensed premises remains open until 2 a.m.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-906

(a) There is a special event festival beer, wine, and liquor permit. (b) The Board may issue the permit to a license holder of a Class B or Class D license. (c) Before the Board issues the permit, the applicant shall: (1) demonstrate a reasonable expectation of attracting at least 250 customers to the special event; and (2) commit to provide any additional security personnel required to be at the event for traffic, parking, and patrol purposes. (d) Subject to the discretion of the Board, the permit authorizes the holder to operate additional bars or service counters for the sale and service of alcoholic beverages that are allowed under the holder’s license: (1) inside or outside the licensed premises; and (2) for at least 1 day and not more than 3 consecutive days. (e) The permit fee is $100.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1001

(a) There is a continuing care retirement community license. (b) The Board may issue the license for use by a club that: (1) is composed of residents of a continuing care retirement community that has obtained a certificate of registration from the Department of Aging under Title 10, Subtitle 4 of the Human Services Article; and (2) has at least 50 members paying average dues of at least $5 per year per member. (c) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor at retail at the place described in the license to a member or a guest when accompanied by a member. (d) The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor during the hours and days as set out for a Class C beer, wine, and liquor license under § 14–2004 of this title. (e) The annual license fee is $500.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1002

(a) There is an organizational license. (b) The Board may issue the license to a fraternal organization, volunteer fire department, or volunteer rescue squad for use on the premises that the organization, fire department, or rescue squad owns or regularly uses to hold functions. (c) The license authorizes the holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor by the drink for on–premises consumption. (d) The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor during the hours and days as set out for a Class C beer, wine, and liquor license under § 14–2004 of this title. (e) The annual license fee is $500.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1101

(a) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 11 (“Additional License Privileges”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) § 4–1102 (“Corkage — Consuming wine not purchased from license holder on licensed premises”); and (2) § 4–1103 (“Removal of partially consumed bottle of wine from licensed premises”). (b) Section 4–1105 (“Refillable container permit — Wine”) of Division I of this article does not apply in the county. (c) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 11 (“Additional License Privileges”) of Division I of this article apply in the county: (1) § 4–1104 (“Refillable container permit — Draft beer”), subject to § 14–1102 of this subtitle; and (2) § 4–1106 (“Nonrefillable container permit –– Draft beer”), subject to § 14–1103 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1102

(a) The Board may issue a refillable container permit for draft beer to a holder of a Class A license, a Class B license, or a Class D license. (b) An applicant for the permit shall complete the form that the Board provides. (c) The hours of sale for the permit: (1) begin at the same time as those for the underlying license; and (2) end at midnight. (d) The Board shall adopt regulations to carry out this section. (e) The annual permit fees are: (1) $50 for an applicant whose license has an off–sale privilege; and (2) $500 for an applicant whose license does not have an off–sale privilege.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1103

(a) The Board may issue a nonrefillable container permit for draft beer to a holder of a Class A license, a Class B license, or a Class D license. (b) An applicant for the permit shall complete the form that the Board provides. (c) The hours of sale for the permit: (1) begin at the same time as those for the underlying license; and (2) end at midnight. (d) The Board shall adopt regulations to carry out this section. (e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the annual permit fees are: (i) $50 for an applicant whose license has an off–sale privilege; and (ii) $500 for an applicant whose license does not have an off–sale privilege. (2) An applicant who has a refillable container permit may not be charged a fee for a nonrefillable container permit.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1301

(a) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 12 (“Temporary Licenses”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) § 4–1202 (“Per diem licenses”); (2) § 4–1203 (“Class C per diem beer and Class C per diem beer and wine licenses”); (3) § 4–1204 (“Class C per diem beer, wine, and liquor license”); (4) § 4–1206 (“License to dispose of stock”); (5) § 4–1207 (“Temporary move of licensed premises”); (6) § 4–1208 (“Hours and days of sale”); and (7) § 4–1209 (“Wine permit for fund–raising event”). (b) Section 4–1205 (“License fees”) of Division I of this article does not apply in the county and is superseded by § 14–1308 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1304

(a) There is a beer or wine festival (BWF) license. (b) The Board may issue the license to: (1) a holder of: (i) a retail license authorizing the sale of beer or wine; (ii) a Class 3 winery license; (iii) a Class 4 limited winery license; (iv) a Class 5 brewery license; (v) a Class 7 micro–brewery license; or (vi) a Class 8 farm brewery license; or (2) a nonprofit organization. (c) The primary purpose of the license is to authorize the holder to display and sell beer that is brewed in the State or wine that is manufactured and processed in the State. (d) A license holder shall display and sell beer or wine: (1) at retail for on– and off–premises consumption; and (2) during the hours and days designated for the beer or wine festival. (e) The Board: (1) may approve up to 4 weekends for beer or wine festivals per applicant each year; and (2) shall approve the location for a festival. (f) The license holder may hold another license of a different class or nature. (g) The license fee is $15. (h) The Board shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1305

(a) There is a beer, wine, and liquor tasting (BWLT) license. (b) The Board may issue the license to a holder of a Class A beer and wine license or Class A beer, wine, and liquor license. (c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the license authorizes the holder of: (i) a Class A beer and wine license to hold tastings of: 1. wine; or 2. beer and wine; and (ii) a Class A beer, wine, and liquor license to hold tastings of: 1. wine; 2. beer and wine; or 3. beer, wine, and liquor. (2) To hold a tasting, the holder of the license shall provide alcoholic beverages to consumers at no charge. (3) In addition to the privileges stated in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the license: (i) authorizes the holder to hold a tasting every day of the year; but (ii) restricts a single tasting to not more than 3 hours. (d) (1) An applicant shall submit to the Board an application on the form that the Board provides. (2) The Board may issue the license without a hearing. (3) The license may be renewed only when the Class A beer and wine or Class A beer, wine, and liquor license is renewed. (e) An individual may consume beer, wine, and liquor covered by the license in a quantity of not more than: (1) 1 ounce from each offering of beer or wine; and (2) one–half ounce from each offering of liquor. (f) The annual license fee is: (1) $200, if the license is used for wine; (2) $250, if the license is used for beer or wine; and (3) $300, if the license is used for beer, wine, and liquor.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1308

(a) The fee for a Class C per diem beer license or a Class C per diem beer and wine license is $5 per day. (b) The fee for a Class C per diem beer, wine, and liquor license is: (1) $15 per day for a religious, fraternal, civic, war veterans’, charitable, or hospital supporting organization; and (2) $25 per day for any other license holder.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1401

(a) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 1 (“Applications for Local Licenses”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) § 4–102 (“Applications to be filed with local licensing board”); (2) § 4–103 (“Application on behalf of partnership”); (3) § 4–105 (“Application on behalf of limited liability company”); (4) § 4–106 (“Payment of notice expenses”); (5) § 4–108 (“Application form required by Comptroller”); (6) § 4–109 (“Required information on application — In general”); (7) § 4–110 (“Required information on application — Petition of support”); (8) § 4–111 (“Payment of license fees”); and (9) § 4–114 (“Fees for licenses issued for less than 1 year”). (b) Section 4–113 (“Refund of license fees”) of Division I of this article does not apply in the county and is superseded by § 14–1406 of this subtitle. (c) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 1 (“Applications for Local Licenses”) of Division I of this article apply in the county: (1) § 4–104 (“Application on behalf of corporation or club”), in addition to § 14–1404 of this subtitle; (2) § 4–107 (“Criminal history records check”), subject to § 14–1403 of this subtitle; and (3) § 4–112 (“Disposition of license fees”), subject to § 14–1405 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1404

(a) The name of the person who owns the greatest number of shares in the corporation for which an application for a license is made shall appear on the application as an applicant. (b) An applicant for a corporation who is a resident of the county shall own at least 10% of the corporation.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1405

(a) If a licensed premises is located in a municipality: (1) 50% of the net license fees shall be paid to the municipality; and (2) 50% of the net license fees shall be paid to the county for the purposes of the county. (b) If a licensed premises is located outside a municipality, all of the net license fees shall be paid to the county.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1501

(a) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 2 (“Issuance or Denial of Local Licenses”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) §�4–205�(“Chain store, supermarket, or discount house”); (2) §�4–206�(“Limitations on retail sales floor space”); (3) §�4–207�(“Licenses issued to minors”); (4) §�4–209�(“Hearing”); (5) §�4–210�(“Approval or denial of license application”); (6) §�4–212�(“License not property”); (7) §�4–213�(“Replacement licenses”); and (8) §�4–214�(“Waiting periods after denial of license applications”). (b) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 2 (“Issuance or Denial of Local Licenses”) of Division I of this article apply in the county: (1) §�4–202�(“Authority of local licensing boards”), subject to § 14–1502 of this subtitle; (2) §�4–203�(“Prohibition against issuing multiple licenses to individual or for use of entity”), subject to § 14–1503 of this subtitle and Subtitle 13, Part III of this title; (3) §�4–204�(“Prohibition against issuing multiple licenses for same premises”), subject to § 14–1503 of this subtitle; (4) §�4–208�(“Notice of license application required”), subject to § 14–1504 of this subtitle; and (5) §�4–211�(“License forms; effective date; expiration”), subject to § 14–1505 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1503

Multiple licenses may be issued for the same premises or to an individual for the use of that individual, a partnership, a corporation, an unincorporated association, or a limited liability company if: (1) the licenses are Class D beer or Class D beer and light wine licenses; and (2) each premises is a bowling establishment that has at least 30 lanes with automatic pinsetters.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1504

(a) In addition to the newspaper notice required under § 4–208 of this article, the Board shall post a suitable notice in a conspicuous place at the location described in the application for at least 10 days before the application hearing. (b) A notice under this section shall state the class of license for which application is made and the date, time, and location set by the Board for an application hearing.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1506

(a) The Board may authorize a license holder to install an additional bar or serving counter within a reasonable distance of the main building of the premises served by the license held by the license holder. (b) The Board shall determine what is a reasonable distance for an additional bar or serving counter. (c) An additional license is not required for an additional bar or serving counter.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1603

(a) There is a Class BLX license for luxury–type restaurants in the 27th legislative district of the county. (b) (1) The Board may issue the license for use by a restaurant that has: (i) a capital investment of at least $500,000 for the dining room facilities and kitchen equipment, not including the cost of land, buildings, or leases; and (ii) seating for at least 150 individuals. (2) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on– and off–premises consumption if sold in sealed containers. (c) A person may not have a direct or indirect interest in more than four Class B and Class BLX licenses in any combination. (d) An indirect interest is presumed to exist between any combination of persons if any of the following conditions exist between them: (1) a common parent company; (2) a franchise agreement; (3) a licensing agreement; (4) a concession agreement; (5) dual membership in a chain of businesses commonly owned and operated; (6) a sharing of directors, stockholders, partners, or members, or a sharing of directors, stockholders, partners, or members of parents or subsidiaries; (7) common direct or indirect sharing of profit from the sale of alcoholic beverages; or (8) a sharing of a common trade name, trademark, logo or theme, or mode of operation identifiable by the public. (e) Subject to the requirements of subsection (b) of this section, the Board shall define “luxury–type restaurant” by regulation. (f) The license fee is $2,400.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1701

(a) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 3 (“Transfer of Local Licenses; Substitution of Names on License”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) §�4–302�(“Transfer of place of business; transfer of license and inventory”); (2) §�4–303�(“Chain store, supermarket, or discount house”); (3) §�4–304�(“Compliance with Bulk Transfers Act required”); and (4) §�4–306�(“Substitution of names of officers on license”). (b) Section 4–305 (“Filing fee and endorsement”) of Division I of this article applies in the county, subject to § 14–1703 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1704

The Board may waive the residency requirement for applicants for a license if the applicant for the transfer: (1) is the purchaser and proprietor of the establishment for which the transfer is sought; and (2) can submit to the satisfaction of the Board: (i) proper persons who know the applicant and can vouch for the good character of the applicant; or (ii) other evidence that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold the license.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1801

(a) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 4 (“Renewal of Local Licenses”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) § 4–402 (“Eligibility for renewal; process”); (2) § 4–403 (“Renewal application”); (3) § 4–407 (“Denial of renewal application”); (4) § 4–408 (“Issuance of renewed licenses”); (5) § 4–409 (“Multiple licenses”); and (6) § 4–410 (“Chain store, supermarket, or discount house”). (b) Section 4–404 (“Filing period for renewal application”) of Division I of this article does not apply in the county and is superseded by § 14–1802 of this subtitle. (c) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 4 (“Renewal of Local Licenses”) of Division I of this article apply in the county: (1) § 4–405 (“Contents of renewal application”), subject to § 14–1803 of this subtitle; and (2) § 4–406 (“Protests”), subject to § 14–1804 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1802

(a) To renew a license, the license holder annually shall file an application with the Board between April 1 and May 1, inclusive. (b) A license renewal application that the Board receives on or after July 1 is subject to a late fine of $50 for each day the application is late, up to a maximum amount of $500.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1803

(a) An application for license renewal shall be accompanied by: (1) a statement of the hours of operation of the licensed premises; (2) a statement of the name of the manager of the licensed premises; and (3) a copy of the current statement for the licensed business that shows that all applicable taxes are paid. (b) In addition to the statements required under subsection (a) of this section, an application for renewal of a Class B license shall be accompanied by a statement of the average monthly sales of food and alcoholic beverages for the licensed premises.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-1805

Notwithstanding § 14–1502 of this title, the Board may renew a Class A or Class D beer license, beer and light wine license, or beer, wine, and liquor license originally issued to a holder of an out–of–state alcoholic beverages license.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-2001

(a) (1) Unless otherwise provided in this title, from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. on any day, an individual may not consume alcoholic beverages in a premises licensed under this title. (2) An owner, an operator, or a manager of a premises licensed under this title may not knowingly allow consumption prohibited under paragraph (1) of this subsection. (b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-2002

(a) A holder of a Class A beer license may sell beer on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (b) A holder of a Class B beer license may sell beer on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (c) A holder of a Class C beer license may sell beer on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (d) A holder of a Class D beer license may sell beer on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-2003

(a) A holder of a Class A beer and light wine license may sell beer and light wine on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (b) A holder of a Class B beer and light wine license may sell beer and light wine on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (c) A holder of a Class C beer and light wine license may sell beer and light wine on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (d) A holder of a Class D beer and light wine license may sell beer and light wine on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-2004

(a) A holder of a Class A beer, wine, and liquor license may sell beer, wine, and liquor on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (b) A holder of a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license may sell beer, wine, and liquor on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (c) A holder of a Class C beer, wine, and liquor license may sell beer, wine, and liquor on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (d) A holder of a Class D beer, wine, and liquor license may sell beer, wine, and liquor on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-2501

(a) In this section, “bottle club” is explicitly defined as and limited to an establishment that is: (1) a restaurant that accommodates the public and is equipped with a dining room with facilities for preparing and serving regular meals; or (2) a nightclub that offers to the public music, dancing, or other nighttime entertainment. (b) An establishment that is a bottle club not licensed by the Board, at a location under the control or possession of the establishment, may not: (1) serve or keep alcoholic beverages; or (2) allow alcoholic beverages to be consumed. (c) A volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or emergency medical services organization may conduct not more than four events each year to which an individual may bring alcoholic beverages to be consumed on a location under the control or possession of the volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or emergency medical services organization. (d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-2502

(a) From 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. on any day, an individual may not consume alcoholic beverages in: (1) an establishment open to the public; (2) a place of public entertainment; or (3) a place at which setups or other component parts of mixed alcoholic beverages are sold under a license issued under the Business Regulation Article. (b) An owner or a manager of an establishment or a place specified in subsection (a) of this section may not knowingly allow consumption of alcoholic beverages between the hours specified in subsection (a) of this section. (c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-2601

(a) The following sections of Title 6, Subtitle 2 (“Enforcement”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) § 6–203 (“Use of equipment to measure quantity and quality of alcoholic beverages”); (2) § 6–204 (“Power to summon witnesses”); (3) § 6–205 (“Peace officers”); (4) § 6–206 (“Charging document for unlawful sale of alcoholic beverage”); (5) § 6–207 (“Display of alcoholic beverages as prima facie evidence of sale”); (6) § 6–208 (“Regulating possession or consumption of alcohol in public places”); (7) § 6–209 (“Adoption of standards for authorization of consumption”); (8) § 6–210 (“State preemption of local disorderly intoxication laws”); and (9) § 6–211 (“Fines and forfeitures”). (b) Section 6–202 (“Inspections”) of Division I of this article applies in the county, subject to § 14–2602 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-2701

(a) The following sections of Title 6, Subtitle 3 (“Prohibited Acts”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) § 6–305 (“Proof of age for sale of alcoholic beverages”); (2) § 6–306 (“Defense to prosecution for sale to underage individual”); (3) § 6–308 (“Allowing on–premises consumption of alcoholic beverages not purchased from license holder”); (4) § 6–309 (“Allowing on–premises consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by individual under the age of 21 years”); (5) § 6–310 (“Providing free food”); (6) § 6–311 (“Restrictions on purchases and sales by retail dealer”); (7) § 6–312 (“Beverage misrepresentation”); (8) § 6–313 (“Tampering with alcoholic beverage container”); (9) § 6–314 (“Sale of alcoholic beverage container with detachable metal tab”); (10) § 6–315 (“Alcoholic beverage in container without regular label presumed illicit”); (11) § 6–316 (“Maximum alcohol content”); (12) § 6–317 (“Multiple serving purchase required”); (13) § 6–319 (“On–premises consumption of alcoholic beverages not purchased from license holder”); (14) § 6–320 (“Disorderly intoxication”); (15) § 6–321 (“Consumption of alcoholic beverages in public”); (16) § 6–322 (“Possession of open container”); (17) § 6–323 (“Possession or use of Alcohol Without Liquid machine”); (18) § 6–326 (“Sale of alcoholic beverages in powder or crystalline form prohibited”); (19) § 6–327 (“Unlicensed out–of–state sale of alcoholic beverages”); (20) § 6–328 (“Tax evasion”); (21) § 6–329 (“Destruction of evidence”); and (22) § 6–330 (“Perjury”). (b) The following sections of Title 6, Subtitle 3 (“Prohibited Acts”) of Division I of this article apply in the county: (1) § 6–304 (“Selling or providing alcoholic beverages to individual under the age of 21 years”), subject to § 14–2702 of this subtitle; and (2) § 6–307 (“Selling or providing alcoholic beverages to intoxicated individual”), subject to § 14–2703 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-2702

(a) A license holder or an employee of a license holder who is charged with a violation of § 6–304 of this article: (1) shall receive a summons to appear in court on a certain day to answer the charges placed against the license holder or employee; and (2) may not be required to post bail pending trial in any court in the State. (b) A license holder or an employee of a license holder may not be found guilty of a violation of § 6–304 of this article if: (1) the license holder or employee establishes to the satisfaction of the finder of fact that the license holder or employee used due caution to establish that the individual was not under the age of 21 years; and (2) the individual was not a resident of the State. (c) A license holder or an employee of a license holder who violates § 6–304 of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to: (1) if the convicted individual is a license holder, a fine not exceeding $200; and (2) if the convicted individual is an employee of a license holder, a fine not exceeding $250. (d) The Board may not proceed against a license holder for a violation of § 6–304 of this article if the license holder or an employee of the license holder is found not guilty of, or granted probation before judgment for, the violation.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-2703

(a) A license holder or an employee of a license holder who is charged with a violation of § 6–307 of this article: (1) shall receive a summons to appear in court on a certain day to answer the charges placed against the license holder or employee; and (2) may not be required to post bail pending trial in any court in the State. (b) A license holder or an employee of a license holder who violates § 6–307 of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to: (1) if the convicted individual is a license holder, a fine not exceeding $200; and (2) if the convicted individual is an employee of a license holder, a fine not exceeding $250. (c) The Board may not proceed against a license holder for a violation of § 6–307 of this article if the license holder or an employee of the license holder is found not guilty of, or granted probation before judgment for, the violation.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 14-2802

(a) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Board may: (1) except for a violation regarding an unlicensed establishment, impose a fine not exceeding: (i) $1,000 for a violation of State law; or (ii) $500 for a violation of the regulations of the Board; or (2) suspend a license for a violation of any alcoholic beverages law that applies in the county. (b) If a license holder or an employee of a license holder sells alcoholic beverages to an individual under the age of 21 years, the Board may: (1) for a first offense, impose a fine not exceeding $500 or suspend the license for not more than 3 days or both; and (2) for an offense occurring within 3 years after a prior offense, impose a fine not exceeding $1,000 or suspend the license for not more than 30 days or both. (c) In determining the length of a suspension under subsection (b)(2) of this section, the Board shall consider: (1) the class of license; and (2) the economic impact the suspension will have on: (i) the business of the license holder; and (ii) employees of the license holder. (d) A fine under this section shall be imposed subject to § 10–1001 of the State Government Article. (e) Fines collected under this section shall be paid into the general fund of the county.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatutesFetched: 10/16/2026