# Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis (GAB)

## Title 22. Harford County

### Subtitle 25. Unlicensed Establishments

#### Section 22-2501

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and otherwise provided in this article, a person may not knowingly allow the consumption, possession, or transfer of alcoholic beverages in an establishment that is a restaurant, tavern, hotel, club, dance studio, disco, or place of public entertainment if:

  (1) the establishment is not licensed by the Board;

  (2) the person possesses or controls the establishment as owner, lessee, or user; and

  (3) the establishment is:

    (i) open to the public or licensed by the State; or

    (ii) licensed by the State or a county unit other than the Board.

(b)

  (1) The prohibition under subsection (a) of this section does not apply to:

    (i) the room of a registered guest in a hotel, motel, or hospice; or

    (ii) the property of:

      (1) a volunteer fire company;

      (2) a catering establishment;

      (3) a community or civic association;

      (4) a swim club;

      (5) a social, civic, nonprofit, charitable, fraternal, patriotic, educational, or public service organization; or

      (6) a religious institution that has been in existence for at least 3 years.

  (2) The Board may exempt a place similar to one listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection on a case-by-case basis.

  (3) The Board shall adopt regulations to administer this subsection.

(c) An owner, a manager, or an employee of an establishment subject to the prohibitions of this section who knowingly allows the prohibited consumption in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.

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