MarylandHB 12032026 Regular SessionHouse

Garrett County - Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Jim Hinebaugh (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Alcoholic Beverages - Local BillsAlcoholic Beverages -see also- AB-By SubdivisionAlcoholic Beverages DistributionAlcoholic Beverages LicensesAlcoholic Beverages - By SubdivisionApplicants and ApplicationsBlue LawsBoundariesCommittee ChangesEvidenceFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFood -see also- Meat, Poultry, & Seafood; Milk; etc.FormsGarrett CountyHotels and MotelsImmigrants and Citizenship -see also- ResidencyInspections -see also- Motor Vehicle InspectionJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLicense Commissioners, Boards ofNoticesPermits -see also- Building PermitsReferendumRestaurantsRules and RegulationsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesSpecial EventsSports and RecreationTime

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Deluxe restaurant and complex licenses

Beginning July 1, 2026, deluxe restaurants and deluxe complex restaurants can get new licenses with optional catering. A deluxe restaurant beer and wine license requires Board‑set seating and a $25,000 capital investment; annual fees are $500 (6‑day no catering), $625 (6‑day with), $585 (7‑day no catering), and $710 (7‑day with). A deluxe restaurant full liquor license requires Board‑set seating and a $250,000 capital investment; annual fees are $1,500 (6‑day no catering), $2,000 (6‑day with), $1,750 (7‑day no catering), and $2,250 (7‑day with). Deluxe complex restaurant licenses (full liquor) have annual fees of $2,250 (6‑day no catering), $2,750 (6‑day with), $2,625 (7‑day no catering), and $3,125 (7‑day with); the Board sets seating and capital‑investment criteria and must adopt regulations. Catering is allowed countywide when the site lacks a license or has a Board temporary license; events must include food, follow authorized hours, have service staff, and have at least one alcohol‑awareness certified person. Each new license also pays a one‑time issuing fee equal to the annual fee.

New standard restaurant and retailer licenses

Beginning July 1, 2026, hotels, motels, inns, and restaurants can get Class B beer, Class B beer and wine, or Class B beer, wine, and liquor licenses; retailers can get a Class D beer and wine license. A catering option lets you sell at off‑site events anywhere in the county when the site lacks a license or has a Board temporary license; the event must include food, follow licensed hours, have service staff, and have at least one alcohol‑awareness certified person on site. Class B beer fees: $150 (6‑day no catering), $250 (6‑day with), $175 (7‑day no catering), $275 (7‑day with). Class B beer and wine fees: $350 (6‑day no catering), $475 (6‑day with), $410 (7‑day no catering), $535 (7‑day with). Class B beer, wine, and liquor fees: $1,500 (6‑day no catering), $2,000 (6‑day with), $1,750 (7‑day no catering), $2,250 (7‑day with). Class D beer and wine fees: $350 (6‑day no catering), $475 (6‑day with), $410 (7‑day no catering), $535 (7‑day with). New licenses pay a one‑time issuing fee equal to the annual fee. The Board may deny a Class B beer, wine, and liquor application if the business will not enhance local recreation or economic development, and a Class D license cannot be issued to a drugstore.

Local caterer alcohol license and rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, a caterer with county‑approved food facilities can get a local caterer’s alcohol license. You must provide food and staff at events, keep at least one alcohol‑awareness certified person on site, and return all non‑empty containers to your business after the event. Food must be at least 70% of the total event cost, and you must buy alcohol from licensed sellers in Garrett County. You cannot hold another Board license or sponsor the event yourself. The issuing fee is $500 and the annual fee is $500.

Resort complex beer and wine license

Beginning July 1, 2026, a resort complex with at least two facilities on the same property (150 feet or more apart) can get a Class B–resort beer and wine license. A catering option allows off‑site service anywhere in the county when the site lacks a license or has a Board temporary license; events must include food, follow licensed hours, and have staff with at least one alcohol‑awareness certified person. For two facilities, the annual fee is $700 (6‑day) or $820 (7‑day); each extra facility adds $350 (6‑day) or $410 (7‑day). The one‑time issuing fee equals the annual fee.

Winery permit for private events

Beginning July 1, 2026, a Class 3 or Class 4 winery can get a Special Event Permit to host private, scheduled events on its premises. You may use it up to 32 times per year; an event for the same client can run up to 7 days. You must reserve and notify the Board at least 7 days ahead, keep service staff on site, and have at least one alcohol‑awareness certified person present. You must buy alcohol for these events from a Garrett County retailer and keep receipts for 1 year. You cannot admit the public or store non‑produced alcohol between events. Sunday sales are allowed only in certain election districts or where voters approve. The annual permit fee is $1,750, plus a one‑time issuing fee of $1,750.

Residency and citizenship checks for licenses

Beginning July 1, 2026, at least one person on any alcohol license application must be a Maryland resident. The application must state if an applicant is natural‑born or naturalized; a non‑U.S. citizen must include proof that immigration status complies with federal law. A license stays valid only while at least one listed applicant remains a Maryland resident.

State manufacturer rules now apply

Starting July 1, 2026, specific State manufacturer license rules apply in Garrett County. Local alcohol manufacturers and applicants must follow those State provisions along with county rules.

New rules for county alcohol board

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Governor appoints three members and one substitute to the county Alcoholic Beverages Board, with Senate or House confirmation depending on whether the county has a resident Senator. The substitute may serve with full powers when a quorum is missing due to illness or a conflict. Members must be Garrett County residents and voters, meet character and business‑capacity standards, and follow party‑balance rules. The Board meets at least monthly; the chair may cancel for no agenda. County Commissioners set member salaries, and members get travel expenses under State rules. The County must provide administrative services and legal counsel.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jim Hinebaugh
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0

House vote • 3/23/2026