MarylandHB 06852025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Garrett County Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Jim Hinebaugh (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Alcoholic Beverages - Local BillsAlcoholic Beverages DistributionAlcoholic Beverages LicensesAlcoholic Beverages - By SubdivisionBoundariesFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFood -see also- Meat, Poultry, & Seafood; Milk; etc.FormsGarrett CountyHearingsHotels and MotelsLicense Commissioners, Boards ofNonprofit OrganizationsNoticesRestaurantsRules and RegulationsSpecial EventsSports and RecreationTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 6 mixed.

New restaurant liquor licenses carry fees

Garrett County restaurants that meet the Board's deluxe-complex definition can get a new beer, wine, and liquor license. They need a local Class B license or restaurant-only equivalent, 20 table seats excluding bar and counter seats, and $250,000 invested in restaurant facilities, excluding land and buildings. The license allows on-site alcohol sales and take-home beer sales. Annual fees without catering are $2,250 for six-day sales or $2,625 for seven-day sales; with catering, they are $2,750 or $3,125, respectively. A separate one-time issuing fee equals the annual fee. The catering option allows off-site alcohol sales with food provided, during Class B-authorized days and hours.

Resorts gain alcohol licenses with fees

Garrett County resort operators can get beer-and-wine or beer-wine-and-liquor licenses covering at least two facilities on one connected property. The Board must recognize each facility as a hotel, motel, recreation facility, or restaurant, at least 150 feet from the main licensed area. Both licenses allow on-site sales of covered drinks and take-home beer sales. For beer and wine, annual fees cover two facilities: $700 for six-day sales, plus $350 per extra facility; or $820 for seven-day sales, plus $410 per extra facility. With liquor, annual fees are $3,000 for six-day sales, plus $1,500 per extra facility; or $3,500 for seven-day sales, plus $1,750 per extra facility. Each license also carries a one-time issuing fee equal to its annual fee.

New restaurant beer and wine licenses

Garrett County restaurants that meet the Board's deluxe-complex definition can get a new beer and wine license. They need a local Class B license or restaurant-only equivalent, at least 20 seats, and $25,000 invested in restaurant facilities, excluding land and buildings. The license allows on-site beer and wine sales and take-home beer sales. Annual fees without catering are $500 for six-day sales or $585 for seven-day sales; with catering, they are $625 or $710, respectively. A separate one-time issuing fee equals the annual fee. The catering option allows off-site beer and wine sales with food provided, during Board-approved days and hours.

Nonprofits gain multiple-day alcohol licenses

Beginning July 1, 2025, Garrett County nonprofits join clubs in qualifying for Class C multiple-day alcohol licenses. Options cover beer, beer and wine, or beer, wine, and liquor. Fees are $50 for two days, $150 for six days, or $300 for 12 days. License holders can also hold another class or type of alcohol license. No hearing is required when expected attendance is below 500.

Nonprofits gain yearly alcohol event licenses

Beginning July 1, 2025, Garrett County nonprofits qualifying for Class C multiple-day licenses can get one multiple-event license per license year. Annual fees are $125 for up to five events, $250 for 12, $375 for 18, or $500 for 24. Nonprofits must notify the Board at least seven days before events. At least one server certified through an approved alcohol-awareness program must be present whenever alcohol is served. License holders can also hold other alcohol licenses and provide on-site catering.

New county festivals allow alcohol sales

Beginning July 1, 2025, Garrett County authorizes annual beer-and-wine and beer-wine-and-liquor festivals lasting up to three consecutive days each. County-selected nonprofits with extensive large-event experience run them under Board supervision at sites without existing alcohol licenses. The Board can issue up to four licenses of each type yearly to retail license holders or people eligible for Class C multiple-day or multiple-event licenses. Licensees can sell covered drinks for on-site or take-home use during festival hours; products must be distributed in Maryland when they apply. Sunday sales can start at 10 a.m. where allowed. Inventory must be invoiced by an authorized supplier, delivered no earlier than two days before the license starts, and returned within five days after expiration. The Board sets license fees and adopts operating rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jim Hinebaugh
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 186 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

House vote • 3/17/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 139 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 790
5/20/2025
Returned Passed
4/4/2025House
Third Reading Passed (47-0)
4/3/2025Senate
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/2/2025Senate
Favorable Report by Finance
3/31/2025Senate
Referred Finance
3/18/2025Senate
Third Reading Passed (139-0)
3/17/2025House
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
3/15/2025House
Favorable with Amendments {783421/1 Adopted
3/15/2025House
Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
3/15/2025House
Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.
1/29/2025House
First Reading Economic Matters
1/24/2025House

Bill Text

Enacted
5/20/2025
PDF
Third Reading
3/15/2025
PDF
First Reading
1/24/2025
PDF

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