Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis, Title 30

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis, Title 30
in effect

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-101

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

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-103

(a) The county governing body shall regulate the retail sale of alcoholic beverages in the county. (b) (1) A law regulating the retail sale of alcoholic beverages that is enacted by the county governing body prevails over a provision in the Code of Public General Laws of Maryland. (2) Unless the county governing body enacts a conflicting or inconsistent law regulating the retail sale of alcoholic beverages, the Code of Public General Laws remains in effect.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-104

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

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-202

(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) 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 substitute member shall serve: (i) when a regular member is absent, recused, or incapacitated for any reason; or (ii) if a vacancy occurs. (2) A substitute member: (i) shall serve until the regular member’s absence, recusal, or incapacity ends or the vacancy is filled; and (ii) has all the powers and duties of a regular member when serving on the Board. (d) (1) The term of a member is 6 years. (2) The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 2016. (e) (1) The Governor shall appoint an eligible individual to fill a vacancy during the remainder of 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 for the remainder 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 § 30-204

(a) (1) The chair of the Board shall receive a salary of $750 annually. (2) Each other member of the Board shall receive a salary of $500 annually. (b) The Board may: (1) employ: (i) a secretary; (ii) inspectors; and (iii) clerical and other assistants as are necessary; and (2) set the compensation of the employees.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-205

(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the County Council shall pay the salaries and expenses of the Board from license fees. (b) The Board may not spend more than $3,500 in any year for salaries and expenses.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-401

(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) § 2–210 (“Class 8 farm brewery license”); (9) § 2–211 (“Residency requirement”); (10) § 2–212 (“Additional licenses”); (11) § 2–213 (“Additional fees”); (12) § 2–214 (“Sale or delivery restricted”); (13) § 2–215 (“Beer sale on credit to retail dealer prohibited”); (14) § 2–216 (“Interaction between manufacturing entities and retailers”); (15) § 2–217 (“Distribution of alcoholic beverages — Prohibited practices”); and (16) § 2–218 (“Restrictive agreements between producers and retailers — Prohibited”). (b) The following sections of Title 2, Subtitle 2 (“Manufacturer’s Licenses”) of Division I of this article apply in the county: (1) § 2–208 (“Class 6 pub–brewery license”), subject to § 30–403 of this subtitle; and (2) § 2–209 (“Class 7 micro–brewery license”), subject to § 30–404 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-403

(a) This section applies to a Class 6 pub–brewery license in the county. (b) The Executive Director shall specify which local license is the equivalent of the Class B beer, wine, and liquor license specified in § 2–208(b) of this article.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-404

(a) This section applies to a Class 7 micro–brewery license in the county. (b) The Executive Director shall specify which local license is the equivalent of the Class B beer, wine, and liquor license specified in § 2–209(b) of this article.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-502

Except as provided in § 30–503 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 and election days.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-503

(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 § 30-601

(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 was sold. (c) The annual license fee is $25.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-602

(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 § 30-603

(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 $25.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-701

(a) There is a Class A wine license in the county. (b) The license may be issued to a holder of a Class 3 winery license or 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 is $50.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-901

(a) There is a Class A beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) The license may be issued only to a grocery store, a drugstore, an incorporated club, a restaurant, or a hotel that has been doing business in the county for more than 1 year before the date of the application for the license. (c) (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. (d) The annual license fee is $1,000.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-902

(a) There is a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) (1) The Board may issue the license for use in: (i) a hotel that: 1. has 25 or more bedrooms located under one roof; and 2. regularly serves meals; or (ii) a restaurant: 1. that seats at least 50 individuals; and 2. for which at least 60% of the gross income is derived from the sale of food. (2) The license holder may not make a liquor sale that: (i) exceeds 1 quart; or (ii) is made at a bar or counter. (c) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor at retail, 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 § 30-903

(a) There is a Class C beer, wine, and liquor license. (b) (1) The Board may issue the license for use by a club that: (i) except as provided in item (ii) of this paragraph, has had at least 50 members paying dues of at least $10 per year per member for the 5 years immediately before the year for which the license is issued; or (ii) if the club is composed exclusively of members who served in the armed forces of the United States and is affiliated with a national organization, has 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. (2) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor at a club at retail at the place described in the license, for on–premises consumption. (c) The annual license fee is $250.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-1101

(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) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 11 (“Additional License Privileges”) of Division I of this article do not apply in the county: (1) § 4–1104 (“Refillable container permit — Draft beer”); and (2) § 4–1105 (“Refillable container permit — Wine”).

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-1401

(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) § 4–104 (“Application on behalf of corporation or club”); (4) § 4–105 (“Application on behalf of limited liability company”); (5) § 4–106 (“Payment of notice expenses”); (6) § 4–108 (“Application form required by Comptroller”); (7) § 4–109 (“Required information on application — In general”); (8) § 4–110 (“Required information on application — Petition of support”); (9) § 4–111 (“Payment of license fees”); (10) § 4–112 (“Disposition of license fees”); (11) § 4–113 (“Refund of license fees”); and (12) § 4–114 (“Fees for licenses issued for less than 1 year”). (b) Section 4–107 (“Criminal history records check”) of Division I of this article applies in the county, subject to §§ 30–1402 through 30–1404 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-1501

(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) §�4–210�(“Approval or denial of license application”); (8) §�4–211�(“License forms; effective date; expiration”); (9) §�4–212�(“License not property”); (10) §�4–213�(“Replacement licenses”); and (11) §�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) §�4–203�(“Prohibition against issuing multiple licenses to individual or for use of entity”), subject to § 30–1502 of this subtitle; and (2) §�4–204�(“Prohibition against issuing multiple licenses for same premises”), subject to § 30–1502 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-1502

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 § 30-2001

(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 § 30-2002

(a) The holder of a Class A beer license may sell beer: (1) on Monday through Saturday, from 6 a.m. to midnight; and (2) on Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a holder of a Class B beer license may sell beer for on–premises consumption: (i) on Monday through Saturday, from 6 a.m. to midnight; and (ii) on Sunday, from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (2) The license holder may not sell beer at a bar or counter on Sunday. (c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a holder of a Class C beer license may sell beer for on–premises consumption: (i) on Monday through Saturday, from 6 a.m. to midnight; and (ii) on Sunday, from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (2) The license holder may not sell beer at a bar or counter on Sunday. (d) Reserved.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-2003

(a) A holder of a Class A beer and wine license may sell beer and wine on Monday through Saturday, from 6 a.m. to midnight. (b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a holder of a Class B beer and wine license may sell beer and wine from 6 a.m. to midnight. (2) The license holder may not sell beer or wine at a bar or counter on Sunday. (c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a holder of a Class C beer and wine license may sell beer and wine from 6 a.m. to midnight. (2) The license holder may not sell beer or wine at a bar or counter on Sunday. (d) Reserved.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-2004

(a) A holder of a Class A beer, wine, and liquor license may sell beer, wine, and liquor on Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to midnight. (b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a holder of a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license may sell beer, wine, and liquor: (i) on Monday through Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day; and (ii) on Sunday, for consumption on the premises, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (2) The license holder may not sell beer, wine, or liquor at a bar or counter on Sunday. (c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a holder of a Class C beer, wine, and liquor license may sell beer, wine, and liquor: (i) on Monday through Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day; and (ii) on Sunday, for on–premises consumption, from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (2) The license holder may not sell beer, wine, or liquor at a bar or counter on Sunday. (d) Reserved.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-2101

(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 does not apply in the county.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-2501

(a) A person may not serve setups, including drinking containers and ice, or serve, keep, or allow to be consumed any 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 at its location any form of attire or sexual display prohibited under § 4–605 of this article. (b) A person who operates a business 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 § 30-2502

(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 § 30-2601

(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) § 6–210 (“State preemption of local disorderly intoxication laws”). (b) Section 6–211 (“Fines and forfeitures”) of Division I of this article applies in the county, subject to § 30–2602 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 30-2701

(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 does not apply in the county.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatutesFetched: 10/16/2026

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