MarylandHB 09992026 Regular SessionHouse

Alcoholic Beverages - Class 9 Limited Distillery License - Alteration

Sponsored By: Luke Clippinger (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Alcoholic Beverages - Statewide BillsAlcoholic Beverages -see also- AB-By SubdivisionAlcoholic Beverages LicensesAlcoholic Beverages Manufacturing -see also- Breweries; etc.DistilleriesIndustry and ManufacturingWeights and Measures

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Caps on output and retail sales

Beginning July 1, 2026, Class 9 holders may not distill, rectify, bottle, or sell more than 100,000 gallons in a calendar year. They may not sell more than 31,000 gallons at retail on their Class D or Class B premises each year. They may not make more than 31,000 gallons per year for other brands. To produce above the 100,000‑gallon limit, they must give up any Class D or Class B retail license and obtain a Class 1 distillery license.

Sales and ownership rules for Class 9

Beginning July 1, 2026, Class 9 holders must follow all distillery trade practice rules. They may sell what they make only to licensed Maryland wholesalers or to authorized buyers in other states, not to a county dispensary except for a narrow statutory exception. They may not hold a wholesaler’s license, except for a Class 8 liquor wholesaler’s license. They may not sell bottles in the distillery production area. They may not own, operate, or be affiliated with another manufacturer.

New Class 9 license for retailers

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland creates a Class 9 limited distillery license. Only holders of a Class D or Class B beer, wine, and liquor license for premises that allow both on‑ and off‑premises sales can get it. Holders may distill, rectify, and bottle brandy, rum, whiskey, alcohol, and neutral spirits on the licensed premises. They may sell what they make at retail in line with their existing Class D or Class B license rules. The annual license fee is set by the Executive Director and cannot be more than $500.

Tours, tastings, storage now allowed

Beginning July 1, 2026, Class 9 holders may buy bulk spirits from a Maryland distillery or rectifier, or a nonresident dealer with a permit. They may store their products on site after getting an individual storage permit. They may give guided tours of the distillery area. During a tour, they may serve each person age 21+ up to three samples, each up to 0.5 ounce, on the distillery area of the premises.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Luke Clippinger
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 168 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 135 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 860
5/26/2026
Returned Passed
4/10/2026House
Third Reading Passed (33-0)
4/9/2026Senate
Second Reading Passed
4/8/2026Senate
Favorable Adopted
4/8/2026Senate
Favorable Report by Finance
4/8/2026Senate
Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.
3/25/2026Senate
Referred Finance
3/23/2026Senate
Third Reading Passed (135-0)
3/23/2026House
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
3/21/2026House
Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections
3/21/2026House
Hearing 2/23 at 1:00 p.m.
2/13/2026House
Reassigned to Government, Labor, and Elections
2/12/2026House
First Reading Economic Matters
2/6/2026House

Bill Text

Enacted
5/26/2026
PDF
Third Reading
3/21/2026
PDF
First Reading
2/6/2026
PDF

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