# Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis (GAB)

## Title 20. Frederick County

### Subtitle 16. Licensing Conditions; Multiple Licensing Plans

#### Section 20-1601

(a)

  (1) For every 4,000 individuals in an election district, the Board may not issue more than one license in each of the following classes:

    (i) Class A (off-sale) beer license;

    (ii) Class A (off-sale) beer and wine license; and

    (iii) Class A (off-sale) beer, wine, and liquor license.

  (2) The population of each election district is to be determined by the most recent federal census.

(b)

  (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, in an election district in which the number of licenses in a class that were issued as of June 1, 1949, exceeds the quota specified in subsection (a) of this section, the Board may not issue new licenses in that class.

  (2) The Board may issue new licenses in a class when the number of licenses in that class falls below the quota specified in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) This section does not apply to the transfer or renewal of a license.

#### Section 20-1602

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this title, the Board may issue any license:

  (1) authorized under this title anywhere in the county, regardless of election district; and

  (2) for which a public hearing is held.

(b)

  (1) The Board may issue a Class C beer, wine, and liquor license to:

    (i) a religious organization;

    (ii) a fraternal organization;

    (iii) a civic organization;

    (iv) a war veterans' organization; and

    (v) a patriotic organization.

  (2) A license issued under this subsection may be used only for on-premises consumption.

  (3) All net proceeds from the sale of alcoholic beverages by an organization listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be used solely for charitable purposes or otherwise to further the purposes of the organization.

#### Section 20-1603

A Class A license may not be issued for, transferred to, used in conjunction with, or used at the location of:

(1) a chain store;

(2) a supermarket;

(3) a discount house; or

(4) a franchised establishment:

  (i) that is operated under an agreement between a franchisee and franchisor that permits the franchisee to conduct a business or sell a product or service under a name or mark, in accordance with the methods and procedures set out by the franchisor; and

  (ii) for which the franchisor assists the franchisee through advertising, promotion, or other services.

#### Section 20-1604

The Board may not issue any license with an off-sale privilege for use in a business that is intended to be operated as a drive-through sales facility at which alcoholic beverages are:

(1) sold at retail; and

(2) dispensed through a window or door to a purchaser in a motor vehicle for off-premises consumption.

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