MarylandSB 08022026 Regular SessionSenate

Garrett County - Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2026

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

14 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 12 mixed.

Deluxe complex (BDR–DC) licenses and fees

Beginning July 1, 2026, a Class BDR–DC license is available to deluxe complex restaurants with at least 20 seats and a minimum capital investment set by law. One section requires at least $25,000; another requires at least $250,000. The license allows on‑site beer, wine, and liquor, beer to go, and countywide catering (beer, wine, and liquor). Annual BDR–DC fees are $2,250 (6‑day, no catering), $2,750 (6‑day with catering), $2,625 (7‑day, no catering), or $3,125 (7‑day with catering), plus a one‑time issuing fee equal to the annual fee.

Full Class B alcohol: fees and limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license has annual fees of $1,500 (6‑day, no catering), $2,000 (6‑day with catering), $1,750 (7‑day, no catering), or $2,250 (7‑day with catering). New licenses pay a one‑time issuing fee equal to the annual fee. The Board must deny an application if it finds the business will not enhance recreation, business, or economic development in the county. A catering option allows countywide off‑site service to adults during license hours if you provide food, have service staff, and have one person certified under § 4‑505.

Class B beer & wine: fees, catering

Beginning July 1, 2026, a Class B beer and wine license lets qualifying hotels and restaurants sell beer and wine on site and beer to go, if they meet seating and meal service rules. Annual fees are $350 (6‑day, no catering), $475 (6‑day with catering), $410 (7‑day, no catering), or $535 (7‑day with catering). New licenses pay a one‑time issuing fee equal to the annual fee. With the catering option, you may serve beer and wine at off‑site events countywide if you provide food, follow Board‑approved hours and days, have service staff present, and have one person certified under § 4‑505.

Class D retail alcohol: new types, fees

Beginning July 1, 2026, a Class D beer and wine license allows on‑ and off‑site sales, but cannot be issued for use by a drugstore. New Class D 75% licenses require at least 75% of sales to be on‑site (for on‑sale) or at least 75% to be off‑site (for off‑sale); grocery stores whose main business is off‑site food sales cannot get these licenses. Annual Class D fees are $350 (6‑day, no catering), $475 (6‑day with catering), $410 (7‑day, no catering), or $535 (7‑day with catering), plus a one‑time issuing fee equal to the annual fee. With a catering option, you may serve off‑site events during allowed hours if you provide food, have service staff, and have one person certified under § 4‑505.

Deluxe restaurant (BDR) licenses and fees

Beginning July 1, 2026, restaurants with at least 20 seats and at least $25,000 invested in restaurant facilities can get a Class BDR beer and wine license to sell on site and sell beer to go. Annual BDR fees are $500 (6‑day, no catering), $625 (6‑day with catering), $585 (7‑day, no catering), or $710 (7‑day with catering), plus a one‑time issuing fee equal to the annual fee. A BDR catering option lets you sell beer and wine off site if you provide food, follow Board hours and days, have service staff, and have one person certified under § 4‑505. The law also creates a higher‑investment BDR license that requires at least $250,000 in restaurant facilities and allows on‑site beer, wine, and liquor and beer to go.

Local caterer license: rights, fees, rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, a local caterer’s license is available to food caterers with county health‑approved facilities who hold no other Board license. It lets you sell or provide alcoholic beverages at catered events anywhere in the county during Class B license hours, on unlicensed sites or sites with a Board temporary license. Fees are $500 to issue and $500 each year. You must buy alcohol from a wholesaler or county‑licensed retailer, provide food, keep service staff present, ensure food is at least 70% of the event cost, have one person certified under § 4‑505 on site, not sponsor events or offer alcohol‑only service, and return all containers that are not empty to your main business after the event.

Resort alcohol license and per‑facility fees

Beginning July 1, 2026, complexes with at least two qualifying facilities on the same property (the extra facility at least 150 feet from the main premises) can get a Class B‑resort beer and wine license. The Board must find the facilities are hotel, motel, recreational, or restaurant facilities. The license allows on‑site beer and wine, beer to go, and an optional countywide catering right. Annual fees are $700 (6‑day) or $820 (7‑day) for two facilities, plus $350 (6‑day) or $410 (7‑day) for each extra facility; the one‑time issuing fee equals the annual fee.

Winery event permits, fees, and limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, Class 3 or Class 4 wineries can get a Special Event Permit to sell beer, their wine, sparkling wine, and liquor at private events that rent the whole premises. The permit costs $1,750 each year, plus a one-time $1,750 issuing fee. You must schedule and notify the Board at least 7 days before each event, keep purchase receipts for 1 year, buy beer, sparkling wine, or liquor from a Garrett County retailer, and follow fire code for any assembly area. Events can run Mon–Sat 6:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m.; Sunday sales 6:00 a.m.–midnight only in election districts 11 and 15 or where voters approve by referendum. You may use the permit up to 32 times a year, a same‑client event may last up to 7 days, you must have service staff on site with at least one person certified under § 4‑505, and you may not store alcohol you did not produce on the manufacturer’s licensed premises between events.

New citizenship and residency checks for applicants

Beginning July 1, 2026, license applicants must state if they are a natural‑born or naturalized U.S. citizen. Non‑citizens must state they comply with federal immigration law and provide proof. At least one applicant must be a State resident at application, and the license stays valid only while at least one applicant remains a State resident.

Stricter rules for private event permits

Starting July 1, 2026, Special Event Permit holders cannot have any financial interest in the licensed caterer or other contracted party. They also cannot let the general public enter any part of the licensed premises during a private event. These limits apply to private events held under the county Special Event Permit.

Class B beer license with catering

Beginning July 1, 2026, qualifying hotels, motels, inns, and restaurants can get a Class B beer license and add a catering option. Annual fees are $150 (6‑day, no catering), $250 (6‑day with catering), $175 (7‑day, no catering), or $275 (7‑day with catering). New licenses pay a one‑time issuing fee equal to the annual fee. Off‑site catering is allowed countywide if you provide food and follow the license hours and days. At catered events, you must have service staff and at least one person certified under § 4‑505.

State manufacturer rules now apply locally

Beginning July 1, 2026, the listed state Manufacturer’s License sections apply in Garrett County without changes. Wineries, breweries, and other producers in the county follow these state rules for licensing and operations.

Applies only in Garrett County

Beginning July 1, 2026, this alcoholic beverages law applies only in Garrett County. County residents, businesses, and local regulators must follow these rules. The law does not apply outside the county.

New rules for Garrett alcohol board

Starting July 1, 2026, the Garrett County Alcoholic Beverages Board has three members and one substitute, appointed by the Governor. If the county has a resident Senator, the Senate confirms; otherwise, the House confirms. Members must be county voters of good character and not receive county pay; two must match the commissioners’ majority party and one must be from another party. The substitute serves with full powers when a quorum is missing due to illness or a conflict. The Board meets at least monthly, but the chair may cancel if there is no agenda. County Commissioners set member pay, reimburse travel under state rules, and must provide administrative, accounting, and legal support or pay for private counsel.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mike McKay
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 164 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 121 • No: 0 • Other: 19

Senate vote • 3/5/2026