MarylandSB 08692025 Regular SessionSenate

Dorchester County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Fees

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.

Lower annual Class C beer fees

Beginning July 1, 2025, Dorchester County lowers the annual Class C beer license fee from $250 to $150. Holders save $100 per license each year. This cut applies to the annual beer-only license, not the daily licenses or beer and wine licenses.

Higher annual fees for alcohol businesses

Beginning July 1, 2025, Dorchester County raises these annual alcohol license fees. Class A beer rises from $200 to $250. Beer and wine fees rise: Class A, $250 to $350; Class B, $300 to $350; Class C, $150 to $250; Class D, $275 to $350. Class B beer, wine, and liquor rises from $1,000 to $1,250. Class B caterer’s rises from $150 to $200.

Higher daily fees for alcohol licenses

Beginning July 1, 2025, Dorchester County raises its Class C daily alcohol license fees. Beer-only and beer and wine licenses rise from $15 to $25 per day. Beer, wine, and liquor licenses rise from $25 to $35 per day. Each license costs $10 more for each licensed day.

New alcohol application and transfer fees

Beginning July 1, 2025, Dorchester County’s Board of License Commissioners can charge new application and transfer fees. For new Class A, B, C, or D licenses, application fees are $150 for beer and wine or $200 for beer, wine, and liquor. The application fee is nonrefundable whether the license is issued or denied. It does not apply to renewals or transfers for the same premises. The Board can also charge $50 per license transfer, in addition to other license fees.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Johnny Mautz
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 2

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 138 • No: 2 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/6/2025