Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis, Title 15

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis, Title 15
in effect

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-101

(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 Caroline County. (c) “County” means Caroline County.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-103

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 § 15-202

(a) (1) The Governor shall appoint three members to the Board. (2) The appointments shall be made: (i) if the House of Delegates is in session, with the advice and consent of the House of Delegates; or (ii) if the House of Delegates is not in session, by the Governor alone. (3) An appointment made under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection shall continue in force until the end of the next session of the General Assembly. (b) Each member of the Board shall be: (1) a resident and voter of the county; and (2) an individual of high character and integrity and of recognized business capacity. (c) (1) The term of a regular member is 3 years. (2) The terms of the regular members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 2016. (d) (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. (e) (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 § 15-203

(a) (1) The Governor shall appoint one substitute member to the Board. (2) The appointment shall be made: (i) if the House of Delegates is in session, with the advice and consent of the House of Delegates; or (ii) if the House of Delegates is not in session, by the Governor alone. (3) An appointment made under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection shall continue in force until the end of the next session of the General Assembly. (b) The term of the substitute member is 3 years and begins on the first Monday in May. (c) If a regular member of the Board becomes incapacitated from any cause or if a vacancy occurs on the Board for any reason, the substitute member, on request of the chair or the majority of the Board, shall serve on the Board until the incapacity ends or the vacancy is filled. (d) While serving on the Board, the substitute member has all the powers and duties of a regular member.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-205

(a) (1) (i) The regular members of the Board shall receive annual salaries as determined by the County Commissioners, but not less than: 1. $3,000 for the chair of the Board; and 2. $2,500 for each other regular member of the Board. (ii) The substitute member of the Board shall receive $100 per meeting attended but not more than $2,000 in any 1–year period. (2) The chair, other regular members, and the substitute member of the Board shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations. (b) (1) The Board may: (i) employ: 1. a secretary; and 2. clerical and other assistants as are necessary; and (ii) set the compensation of the employees. (2) (i) The Board may appoint an attorney for the Board. (ii) The County Commissioners shall set the compensation for the attorney. (iii) The attorney is subject to the county ethics ordinance.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-206

(a) The county codes administrator is the inspector for the Board. (b) The Board shall specify the duties of the inspector, including the administration and enforcement of the alcoholic beverages laws of the county. (c) The salary of the inspector shall be as provided in the county budget.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-401

(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) § 2–209 (“Class 7 micro–brewery license”); (9) § 2–210 (“Class 8 farm brewery license”); (10) § 2–211 (“Residency requirement”); (11) § 2–212 (“Additional licenses”); (12) § 2–213 (“Additional fees”); (13) § 2–214 (“Sale or delivery restricted”); (14) § 2–215 (“Beer sale on credit to retail dealer prohibited”); (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 2–208 (“Class 6 pub–brewery license”) of Division I of this article does not apply in the county.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-502

Except as provided in § 15–503 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 § 15-503

(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 § 15-601

(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 $250.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-602

(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 annual license fee is $250.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-603

(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 $250.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-604

(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 annual license fee is $300.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-701

(a) There is a Class A 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 wine produced at the winery. (2) 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 shall be set by the Board of License Commissioners with the approval of the Board of County Commissioners.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-802

(a) There is: (1) a Class A beer and wine 6–day license; and (2) a Class A beer and wine 7–day license. (b) (1) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer and wine, at retail, at the place described in the license. (2) The license holder shall sell the beer and 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 wine is sold. (c) The annual license fees are: (1) $600 for a 6–day license; and (2) $900 for a 7–day license.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-803

(a) There is a Class B beer and wine license. (b) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer and wine at a hotel or restaurant, at retail, at the place described in the license, for on– and off–premises consumption. (c) The annual license fee is $500.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-805

(a) There is a Class D beer and wine license. (b) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer and wine, 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 $500.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-806

(a) There is a Class H beer and wine license. (b) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer and wine at a hotel or restaurant, at retail, at the place described in the license, for on–premises consumption. (c) The annual license fee is $500.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-901

(a) There is: (1) a 6–day Class A beer, wine, and liquor license; and (2) a 7–day Class A beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) (1) Each 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) The 6–day or 7–day 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) $1,250 for a 6–day license; and (2) $1,600 for a 7–day license.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-902

(a) There is: (1) a 6–day Class B beer, wine, and liquor license; and (2) a 7–day 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) Each license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor by the drink at a hotel or restaurant as defined by the Board at the place described in the license for on–premises consumption. (d) The annual license fee is: (1) $1,000 for a 6–day license; and (2) $1,250 for a 7–day license.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-903

(a) There is a Class C beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) (1) The Board may issue the license for use by: (i) a nonprofit country club; (ii) a nonprofit yacht club; or (iii) a veterans’ organization composed only of members. (2) The club or organization shall: (i) operate only for the use of its members and guests accompanied by members; (ii) meet in a clubhouse that is used exclusively for its members and guests; and (iii) 1. have at least 100 members paying the dues that were required in the year immediately before the year for which the license is issued; or 2. for organizations affiliated with a national organization and composed exclusively of members who serve in the armed forces of the United States, have at least 50 members paying the dues that were required by the national organization in the year immediately before the year for which the license is issued. (c) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor at retail at a club at the place described in the license, for on–premises consumption. (d) The annual license fee is $1,000.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-904

(a) There is: (1) a 6–day Class D beer, wine, and liquor license; and (2) a 7–day Class D beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) Each license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor at retail at the place described in the license for on–premises consumption. (c) The license may not be issued for use by a drugstore. (d) The annual license fee is: (1) $1,250 for a 6–day license; and (2) $1,600 for a 7–day license.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1001

(a) There is a barbershop and beauty salon beer and wine license. (b) The Board may issue the license to a holder of: (1) a barbershop permit issued under § 4–501 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article; or (2) a beauty salon permit issued under § 5–501 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article. (c) The license authorizes the license holder to provide not more than 12 ounces of beer or 5 ounces of wine by the glass for on–premises consumption by a barbershop or beauty salon customer when the customer is being provided: (1) a barbering service under Title 4 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article; or (2) a cosmetology service under Title 5 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article. (d) A license holder may provide beer and wine during normal business hours. (e) A license holder may not transfer the license to another location. (f) An establishment for which the license is issued is subject to the alcohol awareness training requirements under § 4–505 of this article and § 15–1902 of this title. (g) The annual license fee is $100.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1002

(a) There is a Class B–BB (bed and breakfast) beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) The Board may issue the license to a license holder who is approved by the appropriate local governmental unit to operate a bed and breakfast that: (1) provides services ordinarily provided by a bed and breakfast; (2) has at least one room but not more than 5 rooms, each with sleeping accommodations, excluding resident management quarters, that the public for consideration may use for a specified time; and (3) has a kitchen facility that has been approved by the appropriate local governmental unit. (c) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor to a guest if: (1) the name and address of the guest appears on the registry that the bed and breakfast maintains; and (2) the guest is an occupant of a sleeping room in the bed and breakfast. (d) (1) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on–premises consumption to a guest of a catered event at the bed and breakfast if: (i) 1. the license holder is under contract to cater the event; 2. the license holder caters the event; and 3. food is served at the catered event; or (ii) the license holder hosts an event for which tickets are sold in advance. (2) The license authorizes the license holder to contract to provide alcoholic beverages at events held off the premises if: (i) the event is held in the county; (ii) the bed and breakfast also contracts to provide food at the catered event; and (iii) the cost of alcoholic beverages does not exceed 50% of the total invoice for the catered event. (3) The license authorizes the license holder to allow a guest of the bed and breakfast, whose name and address appears on the registry of the establishment, to bring personal alcoholic beverages onto the premises for on–premises consumption during the hours and days as set out under subsection (e) of this section. (e) The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor for on–premises consumption during the hours and days as set out for a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license under § 15–2004 of this title. (f) Except during catered events that meet the requirements under subsection (d) of this section or ticketed events hosted by the license holder, the license does not authorize the sale of beer, wine, and liquor to an individual who: (1) is not a guest of the bed and breakfast; or (2) is registered as a guest at the bed and breakfast only to obtain beer, wine, and liquor. (g) (1) A bed and breakfast may not be operated only to sell or provide beer, wine, and liquor. (2) If the bed and breakfast ends operations as a bed and breakfast: (i) the license is void; and (ii) the license holder shall return the license to the Board. (h) This section may not be construed to apply to a permanent resident on the premises or to guests of the permanent resident. (i) The license holder shall: (1) maintain records of all catered events, on–premises and off–premises, where alcoholic beverages are served; and (2) make the records required under paragraph (1) of this subsection available on request to the Board, the Comptroller, or the Executive Director. (j) The annual license fee is $500.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1003

(a) There is a Class GC (golf course) beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) The Board may issue the license for the use of a golf course that: (1) is open to the public; (2) is operated for profit; (3) owns real estate in the county; and (4) has a golf course with a minimum of 18 holes. (c) (1) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on–premises consumption on the land and in the buildings, including the clubhouse, that are used for golfing purposes. (2) A patron need not be seated to be served. (d) The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor on Monday through Sunday, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (e) The annual license fee is $1,600.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1004

(a) There is a special event venue beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) The Board may issue the license: (1) to the owner of a special event venue; and (2) (i) to the same applicant for all events for which the license is issued; and (ii) for use at only one premises. (c) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on–premises consumption. (d) The license may not be transferred to another location. (e) A license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor during the hours set in county law for special event venues. (f) A license holder may purchase beer, wine, and liquor only from a licensed wholesaler. (g) A license holder is subject to the alcohol awareness training requirements under § 4–505 of this article and § 15–1902 of this title. (h) The fee for a special event venue license is: (1) $250 for not more than 10 events per year; (2) $500 for not more than 20 events per year; (3) $750 for not more than 30 events per year; and (4) $1,000 for not more than 40 events per year.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1101

(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 Title 4, Subtitle 11 (“Additional License Privileges”) 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 § 15–1102 of this subtitle; and (2) § 4–1106 (“Nonrefillable container permit –– Draft beer”), subject to § 15–1103 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1102

(a) The Board may issue a refillable container permit for draft beer to a holder of a Class B or Class H license. (b) The hours of sale for a refillable container permit begin at the same time for the underlying license and end at midnight. (c) The annual permit fee is $500.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1103

(a) The Board may issue a nonrefillable container permit for draft beer to a holder of a Class B or Class H license. (b) The hours of sale for the permit: (1) begin at the same time for the underlying license; and (2) end at midnight. (c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the annual permit fee is $500. (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 § 15-1201

(a) There is a local caterer’s license. (b) The Board may issue the license to a person to contract with a sponsor of a public or private event to provide food and alcoholic beverages if the person holds: (1) an alcoholic beverages license issued in the county; and (2) a caterer’s license issued by the county health department. (c) The license authorizes a holder to: (1) sell or provide alcoholic beverages on the premises of a catered event during the event; and (2) exercise the privileges of the license only during the hours and on the days authorized for a Class B restaurant or hotel (on–sale) beer, wine, and liquor license. (d) The license holder shall provide food for consumption at the catered event. (e) The Board shall set the fee for the license. (f) This section does not require a holder of a Class B restaurant or hotel (on–sale) beer, wine, and liquor license to obtain a local caterer’s license for catering on the premises for which the Class B license is issued.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1301

(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) § 4–1203 (“Class C per diem beer and Class C per diem beer and wine licenses”); (2) § 4–1204 (“Class C per diem beer, wine, and liquor license”); (3) § 4–1205 (“License fees”); (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 4–1202 (“Per diem licenses”) of Division I of this article applies in the county, subject to § 15–1307 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1304

(a) There is a 1–day beer, wine, and liquor tasting (BWLT) license. (b) The Board may issue the license to a holder of a license or an organization that qualifies for a Class C per diem beer, a Class C per diem beer and wine, or a Class C per diem beer, wine, and liquor license. (c) (1) The license authorizes the holder to allow the consumption of beer, wine, or liquor for tasting if: (i) the consumer is not charged for the beer, wine, or liquor; and (ii) the beer, wine, or liquor is consumed on the licensed premises. (2) The license may not be issued to a person more than 26 times in a calendar year. (d) The Board need not publish a license application before granting the license. (e) An individual may consume beer, wine, or liquor covered by the license in a quantity of not more than: (1) 3 ounces from each offering of beer, and 9 ounces from all offerings in a day; (2) 1 ounce from each offering of wine, and 4 ounces from all offerings in a day; and (3) 0.5 ounce from each offering of liquor, and 2.5 ounces from all offerings in a day. (f) At the end of the day for which the license is valid, the license holder shall dispose of beer, wine, or liquor that remains in a container that was opened for tasting. (g) The license fee is $50.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1307

(a) The Board may issue a per diem license of any retail class. (b) A per diem license authorizes the license holder to exercise any privilege conferred by the class of license at an entertainment event held by a club. (c) (1) The license shall be in the form that the Board requires. (2) The applicant shall sign the license. (d) The license may not be issued to a club more than 12 times in a calendar year. (e) The fee for the license is $50.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1308

(a) Instead of issuing individual event licenses, the Board may issue a multiple event license for a particular class of license. (b) The number of days for which a multiple event license may be used by a single applicant may not exceed 40 per calendar year. (c) (1) A multiple event license shall be issued: (i) for one premises only; and (ii) except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, to the same applicant for all events for which the license is issued. (2) The Board may: (i) approve in writing a substitute applicant; and (ii) before approving a substitute applicant, hold a hearing. (d) A server who is certified as having completed an alcohol awareness program shall be on the premises for which a multiple event license is issued when alcoholic beverages are served. (e) (1) The holder of a multiple event license under this section may store alcoholic beverages on the licensed premises between individual licensed events if the alcoholic beverages: (i) are in a specially identified locked and secured location; and (ii) are not sold or consumed except during licensed event hours for licensed event purposes. (2) (i) The license holder shall keep complete and accurate records of all alcoholic beverages purchased and sold on the licensed premises. (ii) The records shall be: 1. maintained on the licensed premises for 2 years; and 2. available for inspection by authorized personnel of the Comptroller, the Executive Director, and the Board. (iii) The records shall include a completed pre– and post–inventory of all alcoholic beverages for each individual event. (3) Authorized personnel of the Comptroller, the Executive Director, and the Board may inspect the premises of the license holder as provided under § 6–202 of this article. (4) A license holder who violates this subsection is subject to: (i) for the first offense, a fine of $100; and (ii) for a subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $500 and denial of future requests for a license for an individual event or a special multiple event license. (f) (1) The fee for a multiple event license is: (i) $250 for not more than 10 events per year; (ii) $500 for not more than 20 events per year; (iii) $750 for not more than 30 events per year; and (iv) $1,000 for not more than 40 events per year. (2) The Board may not issue a refund if the license holder holds fewer events during the calendar year than the number of events that the license holder is entitled to hold.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1401

(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) § 4–106 (“Payment of notice expenses”); (3) § 4–108 (“Application form required by Comptroller”); (4) § 4–111 (“Payment of license fees”); (5) § 4–112 (“Disposition of license fees”); (6) § 4–113 (“Refund of license fees”); and (7) § 4–114 (“Fees for licenses issued for less than 1 year”). (b) Section 4–110 (“Required information on application – Petition of support”) of Division I of this article does not apply in the county. (c) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 1 (“Applications for Local Licenses”) of Division I of this article apply in the county: (1) § 4–107 (“Criminal history records check”), in addition to §§ 15–1402 through 15–1405 of this subtitle; (2) § 4–109 (“Required information on application — In general”), in addition to § 15–1406 of this subtitle and subject to § 15–1407 of this subtitle; (3) § 4–103 (“Application on behalf of partnership”), subject to § 15–1407 of this subtitle; (4) § 4–104 (“Application on behalf of corporation or club”), subject to § 15–1407 of this subtitle; and (5) § 4–105 (“Application on behalf of limited liability company”), subject to § 15–1407 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1406

(a) (1) An application for a license shall include a statement that: (i) the applicant is at least 21 years old; (ii) the applicant will carry on the business authorized by the license for the applicant or for a business entity and not as an agent of another person; (iii) 1. the applicant will manage the business in person; or 2. if the license is issued to a business entity, an individual who is specified in the application will manage the business; (iv) the applicant will not sell alcoholic beverages designated under the license to a person under the age of 21 years; and (v) the applicant consents to the use of evidence discovered during a lawful inspection of the licensed premises as admissible in a prosecution or on a hearing for a revocation, suspension, or restriction of the license. (2) The applicant shall verify the statements in the application by affidavit made before a notary or other person authorized to administer oaths. (b) A person who makes a false statement in an application is guilty of the misdemeanor of perjury and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years and license revocation.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1407

(a) At the time an application for an alcoholic beverages license is filed, at least one of the applicants shall be a resident of the State. (b) The license remains valid only for as long as at least one of the applicants remains a resident of the State.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1501

(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) §�4–202�(“Authority of local licensing boards”); (2) §�4–205�(“Chain store, supermarket, or discount house”); (3) §�4–206�(“Limitations on retail sales floor space”); (4) §�4–207�(“Licenses issued to minors”); (5) §�4–208�(“Notice of license application required”); (6) §�4–209�(“Hearing”); (7) §�4–211�(“License forms; effective date; expiration”); (8) §�4–212�(“License not property”); and (9) §�4–213�(“Replacement licenses”). (b) Section 4–214 (“Waiting periods after denial of license applications”) of Division I of this article does not apply in the county and is superseded by § 15–1504 of this subtitle. (c) 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) §�4–203�(“Prohibition against issuing multiple licenses to individual or for use of entity”), subject to § 15–1502 of this subtitle and Subtitle 13, Part III of this title; (2) §�4–204�(“Prohibition against issuing multiple licenses for same premises”), subject to § 15–1502 of this subtitle; and (3) §�4–210�(“Approval or denial of license application”), in addition to § 15–1503 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1502

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 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 § 15-1503

Before the Board issues a license, the Board shall consider and determine as suitable: (1) the moral character and financial responsibility of the applicant; (2) the appropriateness of the location of the place described in the application, taking into consideration the number of existing licenses; and (3) the general fitness of the applicant to uphold the public trust.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1504

(a) If a license application is denied on grounds relating to the suitability of the applicant, the Board may not receive another application from the applicant for any type of license at any premises for 6 months after the denial. (b) If a license application is denied on grounds relating to the suitability of the location described in the application, the Board may not receive any type of license application for the location for 1 year after the denial.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1701

(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) §�4–305�(“Filing fee and endorsement”). (b) Section 4–306 (“Substitution of names of officers on license”) of Division I of this article applies in the county, subject to § 15–1702 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1702

(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, if a holder of a license for the use of a business or club wishes to substitute on the license the name of an officer of the business or club, the license holder may file a petition for substitution with the Board instead of filing an application for transfer of the license. (b) The Board may approve the petition only if the license holder demonstrates that the substitute officer is fit to engage in the business authorized by this article.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1704

(a) When considering a transfer of a license, the Board shall keep all criminal history records in a sealed envelope available only to the members of the Board and their designees. (b) The Board shall set and charge a fee to cover the cost of obtaining the applicant’s fingerprints and the results of the State and national criminal history records check.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1901

(a) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 5 (“Conduct of Local License Holders”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) § 4–502 (“Storage of alcoholic beverages”); (2) § 4–503 (“Solicitations and sales outside of licensed premises”); (3) § 4–504 (“Employment of underage individuals”); (4) § 4–506 (“Evidence of purchaser’s age”); (5) § 4–507 (“Retail delivery of alcoholic beverages”); and (6) § 4–508 (“Display of license”). (b) Section 4–505 (“Alcohol awareness program”) of Division I of this article applies in the county, subject to § 15–1902 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-1902

(a) (1) The individual certified by an approved alcohol awareness program may be absent from the licensed premises for an emergency if the absence lasts for not more than 2 hours. (2) The Board shall require the license holder to keep a log book on the licensed premises that documents each temporary absence, the length of time of the absence, and the reason for the absence, in the form that the Board requires. (b) A license holder who violates this section is subject to: (1) for a first offense, a $100 fine; and (2) for each subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $500 or a suspension or revocation of the license or both.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2001

(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, operator, or manager of a premises licensed under this title may not knowingly allow consumption of alcoholic beverages that is 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 § 15-2002

(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) (1) 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. (2) The license holder may sell beer at a bar or counter on Sunday. (c) (1) 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. (2) The license holder may sell beer at a bar or counter on Sunday. (d) A holder of a 7–day 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 § 15-2003

(a) A holder of a 6–day or 7–day Class A beer and wine license may sell beer and wine on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (b) Reserved. (c) A holder of a Class C beer and wine license may sell beer and 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 wine license may sell beer and wine on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (e) A holder of a Class H beer and wine license may sell beer and wine on Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2004

(a) (1) A holder of a 6–day or 7–day Class A beer, wine, and liquor license may sell beer, wine, and liquor on Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day. (2) On Sunday, a holder of a 7–day Class A beer, wine, and liquor license may sell for off–premises consumption: (i) beer and wine, from 8 a.m. to midnight; and (ii) liquor, from 1 p.m. to midnight. (b) (1) A holder of a 6–day or 7–day 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. (2) The holder of a 7–day Class B beer, wine, and liquor license may sell beer, wine, and liquor from a bar or counter on Sunday. (c) (1) 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. (2) The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor at a bar or counter on Sunday. (d) A holder of a 6–day or 7–day Class D beer, wine, and liquor license may sell beer, wine, and liquor from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2005

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a holder of a license that allows the sale of alcoholic beverages for on–premises consumption may sell the alcoholic beverages allowed by the license from 2 p.m. on December 31 to midnight on January 1, no matter what days of the week December 31 and January 1 fall on. (b) A holder of a license that allows the sale of alcoholic beverages for on–premises consumption may sell alcoholic beverages in accordance with the hours authorized by the license if the hours specified for December 31 and January 1 under subsection (a) of this section are more restrictive than the regular hours. (c) A holder of a Class B or Class D license that allows beer sales for off–premises consumption may sell beer on December 31 and January 1 in accordance with the privileges granted by the license.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2101

(a) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 6 (“Revocation and Suspension of Local Licenses”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) § 4–602 (“Power of local licensing board”); (2) § 4–603 (“Revocation and suspension procedures”); (3) § 4–604 (“Grounds for revocation or suspension”); and (4) § 4–606 (“Effects of revocation”). (b) Section 4–605 (“Nudity and sexual displays”) of Division I of this article applies in the county, subject to § 15–2102 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2102

Notwithstanding the mandatory revocation requirement for local licensing boards under § 4–605(a) of this article, after a finding that an activity listed in § 4–605 of this article has occurred, the Board may decide whether to revoke a license.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2301

(a) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 8 (“Death of License Holder”) of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation: (1) § 4–802 (“Expiration of license on death of license holder”); (2) § 4–804 (“Transfer or reinstatement of license”); (3) § 4–805 (“Rights of protest, revocation, suspension, and restriction”); and (4) § 4–806 (“Refund”). (b) Section 4–803 (“Certificate of permission or renewal license for continuation of business”) of Division I of this article applies in the county, subject to § 15–2302 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2302

(a) (1) On the death of a married license holder or a license holder that holds a license for the benefit of a partnership or corporation, on application to the Board, a new license shall be issued to: (i) the surviving spouse; (ii) the surviving partners for the benefit of the partnership; or (iii) the senior surviving officer of the corporation for the benefit of the corporation. (2) The new license shall be issued: (i) for the balance of the license year; and (ii) without further proceedings. (b) A renewal license may be issued to the following if they are qualified to hold the license: (1) the surviving spouse; (2) the surviving partners of a partnership; or (3) the senior surviving officer of the corporation for the benefit of the corporation.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2501

(a) A person may not serve setups, including drinking containers and ice, or serve, provide, keep, or allow to be consumed alcoholic beverages or other component parts of mixed alcoholic drinks in a place of adult entertainment that: (1) does not hold a license under this article; and (2) allows in the establishment any form of sexual display or attire prohibited under § 4–605 of this article. (b) A person who operates an establishment for profit that is not licensed under this article may not knowingly allow a customer to bring alcoholic beverages for consumption into the establishment. (c) 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 § 15-2502

(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 § 15-2601

(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) § 6–202 (“Inspections”); (2) § 6–203 (“Use of equipment to measure quantity and quality of alcoholic beverages”); (3) § 6–204 (“Power to summon witnesses”); (4) § 6–205 (“Peace officers”); (5) § 6–206 (“Charging document for unlawful sale of alcoholic beverage”); (6) § 6–207 (“Display of alcoholic beverages as prima facie evidence of sale”); (7) § 6–208 (“Regulating possession or consumption of alcohol in public places”); (8) § 6–209 (“Adoption of standards for authorization of consumption”); and (9) § 6–211 (“Fines and forfeitures”). (b) Section 6–210 (“State preemption of local disorderly intoxication laws”) of Division I of this article does not apply in the county and is superseded by § 15–2602 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2602

The county may: (1) adopt an ordinance or resolution supplementing the prohibition against disorderly intoxication under § 6–319 of this article; and (2) regulate possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on public property, property used by the public, or a highway.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2701

(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) § 6–304 (“Selling or providing alcoholic beverages to individual under the age of 21 years”); (2) § 6–305 (“Proof of age for sale of alcoholic beverages”); (3) § 6–306 (“Defense to prosecution for sale to underage individual”); (4) § 6–307 (“Selling or providing alcoholic beverages to intoxicated individual”); (5) § 6–308 (“Allowing on–premises consumption of alcoholic beverages not purchased from license holder”); (6) § 6–309 (“Allowing on–premises consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by individual under the age of 21 years”); (7) § 6–310 (“Providing free food”); (8) § 6–311 (“Restrictions on purchases and sales by retail dealer”); (9) § 6–312 (“Beverage misrepresentation”); (10) § 6–313 (“Tampering with alcoholic beverage container”); (11) § 6–314 (“Sale of alcoholic beverage container with detachable metal tab”); (12) § 6–315 (“Alcoholic beverage in container without regular label presumed illicit”); (13) § 6–316 (“Maximum alcohol content”); (14) § 6–317 (“Multiple serving purchase required”); (15) § 6–319 (“On–premises consumption of alcoholic beverages not purchased from license holder”); (16) § 6–320 (“Disorderly intoxication”); (17) § 6–321 (“Consumption of alcoholic beverages in public”); (18) § 6–323 (“Possession or use of Alcohol Without Liquid machine”); (19) § 6–326 (“Sale of alcoholic beverages in powder or crystalline form prohibited”); (20) § 6–327 (“Unlicensed out–of–state sale of alcoholic beverages”); (21) § 6–328 (“Tax evasion”); (22) § 6–329 (“Destruction of evidence”); and (23) § 6–330 (“Perjury”). (b) Section 6–322 (“Possession of open container”) of Division I of this article applies in the county, subject to § 15–2702 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2702

An individual may possess an alcoholic beverage in an open container on private property described under § 6–322(a)(1) of this article only if the individual possesses and presents the written consent of the owner of the property.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2703

(a) A holder of a Class A beer, wine, and liquor license may not allow an individual under the age of 18 years to play pool, billiards, shuffleboard, pinball, a console machine, or any other game of chance or skill in the licensed establishment unless the individual is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. (b) A license holder who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine or both.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 15-2802

(a) The Board may impose a fine not exceeding $2,500 or suspend a license or both for a violation that is a cause for suspension of a license. (b) A penalty imposed under subsection (a) of this section: (1) is in addition to and does not limit any other penalty for the same violation; and (2) is independent of any related court action based on the same violation. (c) 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