# Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis (GAB)

## Title 17. Cecil County

### Subtitle 26. Enforcement

#### Section 17-2601

(a) The following sections of Title 6, Subtitle 2 ("Enforcement") of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation:

  (1) Sec. 6-202 ("Inspections");

  (2) Sec. 6-203 ("Use of equipment to measure quantity and quality of alcoholic beverages");

  (3) Sec. 6-205 ("Peace officers");

  (4) Sec. 6-206 ("Charging document for unlawful sale of alcoholic beverage");

  (5) Sec. 6-207 ("Display of alcoholic beverages as prima facie evidence of sale");

  (6) Sec. 6-208 ("Regulating possession or consumption of alcohol in public places"); and

  (7) Sec. 6-209 ("Adoption of standards for authorization of consumption").

(b) Section 6-210 ("State preemption of local disorderly intoxication laws") of Division I of this article does not apply in the county and is superseded by Sec. 17-2602 of this subtitle.

(c) The following sections of Title 6, Subtitle 2 ("Enforcement") of Division I of this article apply in the county:

  (1) Sec. 6-204 ("Power to summon witnesses"), in addition to Sec. 17-2603 of this subtitle; and

  (2) Sec. 6-211 ("Fines and forfeitures"), subject to Sec. 17-2605 of this subtitle.

#### Section 17-2602

The county may:

(1) adopt an ordinance or resolution supplementing the prohibition against disorderly intoxication under Sec. 6-320 of this article; and

(2) regulate possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on public property, property used by the public, or a highway.

#### Section 17-2603

In addition to the sheriff who may serve a summons under Sec. 6-204 of this article, an inspector that the Board employs may serve a summons.

#### Section 17-2604

(a) The Board may subpoena records pertaining to a licensed establishment.

(b)

  (1) The Board may petition the circuit court if a witness refuses to produce a subpoenaed record.

  (2) The court may proceed by attachment against the witness as if the refusal had been by a witness summoned to appear in a case pending before the court.

#### Section 17-2605

One-half of each fine imposed in the county shall be distributed as provided under Sec. 7-507 of the Courts Article.  

#### Section 17-2606

(a) To protect the public safety and peace when law enforcement officials are present in the county enforcing the laws of other states, an agent, an employee, or a representative of an alcoholic beverages licensing board of another state who enters the county to observe an alcoholic beverage sale:

  (1) shall register in person at least 30 days before entry into the county; and

  (2) when registering, shall provide:

    (i) a written statement setting forth the identity of the registrant;

    (ii) the purpose of the entry into the county;

    (iii) the make, model, and license number of each vehicle to be used for surveillance activity;

    (iv) the names of the premises where surveillance will be conducted; and

    (v) the specific time for surveillance of each establishment.

(b)

  (1) The Sheriff's office shall issue a certificate of registration to each registrant.

  (2) A registrant shall keep the certificate in the registrant's possession during all investigative activities.

(c)

  (1) An individual who fails to register as required by this section may not register for 6 months after being found in violation of this section.

  (2) The Board shall suspend the registration of a registrant who violates this section for 6 months.

(d) A person who violates this section when the person is prohibited from registering or when the person's certificate of registration is suspended is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

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Md. Code Ann., Alco. Bev. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)