# Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis (GAB)

## Title 22. Harford County

### Subtitle 9. Beer, Wine, and Liquor Licenses

#### Section 22-901

(a) There is:

  (1) a Class A-1 off-sale beer, wine, and liquor 7-day license; and

  (2) a Class A-2 off-sale beer, wine, and liquor 6-day license.

(b)

  (1) A license under this section authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor at retail at the place described in the license.

  (2) The license holder:

    (i) shall sell the beer, wine, or liquor in a sealed package or container that may not be opened or its contents consumed on the licensed premises; but

    (ii) may sell wine in split bottles and beer in individual bottles and cans.

  (3) If the majority of the retail sales on the licensed premises are for items other than beer, wine, and liquor, the license holder shall provide a separate outside entrance for the use of beer, wine, and liquor customers.

  (4) If the business of the licensed premises consists predominantly of selling other types of retail items, such as drugs or groceries:

    (i) the beer, wine, and liquor shall be displayed and purchased in an area separate and distinct from that for the other retail items; and

    (ii) the Board may require a partition to separate the beer, wine, and liquor from the other types of retail items.

(c) A license holder shall continually maintain a minimum stock of $8,000 wholesale value in beer, wine, and liquor.

(d) A license under this section may not be issued for a drugstore unless the applicant:

  (1) has been doing business at the location applied for in the license for at least 1 year before the date of the application for the license;

  (2) is the assignee of a business established for at least 1 year before the date of the application for the license at the location applied for; or

  (3) has been engaged in the retail drug business for at least 3 years.

(e) The annual license fees are:

  (1) $1,470 for a 7-day Class A-1 license; and

  (2) $980 for a 6-day Class A-2 license.

#### Section 22-902

(a) There is:

  (1) a Class B beer, wine, and liquor 6-day license; and

  (2) a Class B beer, wine, and liquor 7-day license.

(b) The Board may issue the license to a license holder for use by:

  (1) a hotel that:

    (i) accommodates the public and provides service ordinarily found in hotels; and

    (ii) has:

      (1) at least 25 rooms;

      (2) a lobby with a registration and mail desk; and

      (3) a dining room that serves full-course meals at least twice daily; or

  (2) a restaurant that:

    (i) serves full-course meals at least twice daily on each day it is open;

    (ii) has regular seating at tables, not including seats at bars or counters, for at least 60 individuals; and

    (iii) has had a greater daily average in receipts from food sales than from beer, wine, and liquor sales during the 6 months immediately before the application for the license was made.

(c)

  (1) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor, including at a bar or counter in a hotel, at retail at the place described in the license, for on-premises consumption.

  (2) A holder of a license issued before July 1, 1984, also may sell:

    (i) beer and wine for off-premises consumption, including:

      (1) subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, beer in individual bottles and cans; and

      (2) wine in split bottles; and

    (ii) liquor, if the license holder was granted an off-sale liquor option.

  (3) Beer may be sold for off-premises consumption in:

    (i) bottles or cans exceeding 12 ounces in weight or size, if the beer is sold in a quantity of less than six; or

    (ii) a containerized package, if the package holds at least six bottles or containers.

(d)

  (1) A license holder with an option authorizing the sale of liquor for off-premises consumption may exercise that option in an area that:

    (i) is described in the license application;

    (ii) may not exceed 20% of the area normally used in the operation of the restaurant, not including additions or extensions; and

    (iii) unless sales are conducted only from behind a bar, is separate and distinct from the restaurant seating area.

  (2) If the license application indicates that sales of beer, wine, and liquor for off-premises consumption will be more extensive than from behind a bar, the applicant shall provide a separate outside entrance for purchasers of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption.

  (3) To meet food sale requirements, receipts for sales of liquor for off-premises consumption may not be included in the calculation of sales.

(e)

  (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, if a restaurant holding a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license is located within a freestanding establishment containing bowling lanes associated with the restaurant, the license holder may sell and allow customers to carry or consume alcoholic beverages within any place in the bowling alley or restaurant.

  (2) The additional privilege under this subsection is available between 6 p.m. and the normal closing time for the license.

  (3) This subsection:

    (i) only confers additional privileges on licenses for restaurants that are associated with bowling alleys; but

    (ii) does not create a separate class of license for bowling alleys.

(f) A license holder with an off-sale option shall continually maintain a minimum stock of $8,000 wholesale value in beer, wine, and liquor.

(g)

  (1) The annual license fees for a 6-day license are:

    (i) $2,260 for a hotel; and

    (ii) $1,720 for a restaurant.

  (2) The annual license fees for a 7-day license are:

    (i) $2,685 for a hotel; and

    (ii) $2,145 for a restaurant.

  (3) The annual license fees for an option to sell liquor for off-premises consumption are:

    (i) $350 for a 6-day restaurant; and

    (ii) $450 for a 7-day restaurant.

#### Section 22-903

(a) There is a Class B cafe beer, wine, and liquor license.

(b)

  (1) The license authorizes the holder to sell:

    (i) beer and wine for on- and off-premises consumption; and

    (ii) liquor for on-premises consumption.

  (2) The license is a 7-day license with an on-premises wine tasting privilege for every day of the year.

  (3) The license may be used for off-premises catering.

(c) The Board shall set:

  (1) the maximum number of cafe licenses that it may issue under this section; and

  (2) the maximum and minimum seating capacity for each cafe license it issues.

(d) The license may be used only if:

  (1) the Board determines that the establishment has adequate tables, chairs, food, and facilities for preparing and serving meals;

  (2) the average gross monthly receipts from the sale of cooked or prepared food served at the establishment and other items approved by the Board exceed 50% of the average monthly receipts from the sale of beer, wine, and liquor sold for on-premises consumption; and

  (3) not more than 10% of the total square footage of the establishment is dedicated to the public display of beer and wine that is offered for sale.

(e) The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor during the hours and days as set out for a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license under Sec. 22-2004(b) of this title.

(f) The annual license fee is $3,000.

#### Section 22-904

(a) There is:

  (1) a Class B-3 restaurant/hotel 6-day license; and

  (2) a Class B-3 restaurant/hotel 7-day license.

(b) The Board may issue a Class B-3 license to a person who:

  (1) has been operating a restaurant or hotel under a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license for 1 year before the application for the Class B-3 license;

  (2) accounts for at least 25% of the business at the restaurant or hotel from the sale of food; and

  (3) in the judgment of the Board, has equipped and stocked the restaurant or hotel for the continued regular sale of food to customers and guests.

(c)

  (1) The Board may issue a license under this subsection for use in a restaurant or hotel at retail at the place described in the license.

  (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor at retail at the place described in the license, including at a restaurant and a bar or counter in a hotel, for on-premises consumption.

  (3) A holder of a license issued before July 1, 1984, may sell:

    (i) beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption;

    (ii) beer and wine for off-premises consumption, including:

      (1) subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, beer in individual bottles and cans; and

      (2) wine in split bottles; and

    (iii) liquor, if the license holder has been granted a liquor option.

  (4) Beer may be sold for off-premises consumption in:

    (i) bottles or cans exceeding 12 ounces in weight or size, if the beer is sold in a quantity of less than six; or

    (ii) a containerized package, if the package holds at least six bottles or containers.

(d)

  (1) A license holder with an option authorizing the sale of liquor for off-premises consumption may exercise that option in an area that:

    (i) is described in the license application;

    (ii) may not exceed 20% of the area normally used in the operation of the restaurant, not including additions or extensions; and

    (iii) unless sales are conducted only from behind a bar, is separate and distinct from the restaurant seating area.

  (2) If the license application indicates that sales of beer, wine, and liquor for off-premises consumption will be more extensive than from behind a bar, the applicant shall provide a separate outside entrance for purchasers of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption.

  (3) To meet food sale requirements, receipts for sales of liquor for off-premises consumption may not be included in the calculation of sales.

(e) A license holder with an off-sale liquor option shall continually maintain a minimum stock of $8,000 wholesale value in beer, wine, and liquor.

(f) The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor during the hours and days as set out under Sec. 22-2004(c) of this title.

(g)

  (1) The annual license fees for a 6-day license are:

    (i) $2,620 for a hotel; and

    (ii) $2,050 for a restaurant.

  (2) The annual license fees for a 7-day license are:

    (i) $3,045 for a hotel; and

    (ii) $2,435 for a restaurant.

  (3) The annual license fees for an option to sell liquor for off-premises consumption are:

    (i) $350 for a 6-day restaurant; and

    (ii) $450 for a 7-day restaurant.

#### Section 22-905

(a) There is:

  (1) a Class BFD (fine dining) beer, wine, and liquor 6-day license; and

  (2) a Class BFD (fine dining) beer, wine, and liquor 7-day license.

(b)

  (1) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption.

  (2) A license holder shall:

    (i) serve only full-course dinners at least 5 days a week;

    (ii) open the restaurant for business not later than 5 p.m.; and

    (iii) comply with the requirements of Sec. 22-103 of this title.

(c) The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor during the hours and days as set out under Sec. 22-2004(d) of this title.

(d) The Board shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.

(e) The annual license fees are:

  (1) $2,500 for a 6-day license; and

  (2) $2,900 for a 7-day license.

#### Section 22-906

(a) There is a Class BNR (newly opened restaurant) beer, wine, and liquor license.

(b) The Board may decide:

  (1) the number of licenses to be issued; and

  (2) to whom the licenses shall be issued.

(c) The Board may issue the license for use by a newly opened restaurant that:

  (1) has a minimum capital investment of $250,000 for new dining room facilities and newly installed kitchen equipment, not including the cost of land, buildings, or a lease;

  (2) serves full-course meals at least twice daily;

  (3) has regular seating at tables, not including seats at bars or counters, for at least 60 individuals; and

  (4) meets other standards set out in the regulations of the Board.

(d) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption from Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day.

(e) The annual license fee is $3,000.

#### Section 22-907

(a) There is:

  (1) a 6-day Class C-1 (organization or club) beer, wine, and liquor license; and

  (2) a 7-day Class C-1 (organization or club) beer, wine, and liquor license.

(b) The Board may issue the 6-day license or the 7-day license for use by a war veterans' organization that:

  (1) is a nationally chartered nonprofit organization or club;

  (2) has been incorporated for at least 5 years immediately preceding filing of the application for the license;

  (3) is composed only of members who served in the armed forces of the United States in a war in which the United States has been engaged;

  (4) operates only for the use of members of the war veterans' organization and guests accompanied by members; and

  (5) meets in a clubhouse that is principally used for club purposes.

(c)

  (1) The 6-day license authorizes the license holder to sell or provide beer, wine, and liquor from Monday through Saturday at a club at the place described in the license, for on-premises consumption by members and guests.

  (2) The 7-day license authorizes the license holder to sell or provide beer, wine, and liquor from Monday through Sunday at a club at the place described in the license, for on-premises consumption by members and guests.

  (3)

    (i) The 6-day license and the 7-day license authorize the license holder to sell or provide beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption by:

      (1) nonmembers of the club that have rented or leased an area of the licensed premises for entertainment, a conference, or a social event; and

      (2) guests who attend the event.

    (ii) The license holder shall:

      (1) contract to provide food for consumption at the event described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph; or

      (2) ensure that food will be available for consumption at the event described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

    (iii) This paragraph does not prohibit a club from obtaining a Class C per diem license.

(d) The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor during the hours and days as set out under Sec. 22-2004(f) of this title.

(e)

  (1) The annual fees for the 6-day license, depending on the size of the membership of the war veterans' organization, are:

    (i) $350, for a membership of 50 to 99;

    (ii) $600, for a membership of 100 to 250;

    (iii) $850, for a membership of 251 to 450; and

    (iv) $1,000, for a membership of at least 451.

  (2) The annual fees for the 7-day license, depending on the size of the membership of the war veterans' organization, are:

    (i) $450, for a membership of 50 to 99;

    (ii) $700, for a membership of 100 to 250;

    (iii) $950, for a membership of 251 to 450; and

    (iv) $1,100, for a membership of at least 451.

#### Section 22-908

(a) There is:

  (1) a 6-day Class C-2 (organization or club) beer, wine, and liquor license; and

  (2) a 7-day Class C-2 (organization or club) beer, wine, and liquor license.

(b) The Board may issue the 6-day license or the 7-day license for use by a fraternal organization that:

  (1) is a lodge or chapter of a nationally chartered fraternal organization;

  (2) is composed of inducted members;

  (3) operates a clubhouse or building:

    (i) for the use of its members; and

    (ii) that has facilities for preparing and serving food on the premises to members and guests; and

  (4) has at least 100 members paying the dues that were required by its national organization in the year immediately preceding the year for which the license was applied for or issued, as determined by the Board.

(c)

  (1) The 6-day license authorizes the license holder to sell or provide beer, wine, and liquor from Monday through Saturday at a club at the place described in the license, for on-premises consumption by members and guests.

  (2) The 7-day license authorizes the license holder to sell or provide beer, wine, and liquor from Monday through Sunday at a club at the place described in the license, for on-premises consumption by members and guests.

  (3)

    (i) The 6-day license and the 7-day license authorize the license holder to sell or provide beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption by:

      (1) nonmembers of the club that have rented or leased an area of the licensed premises for entertainment, a conference, or a social event; and

      (2) guests who attend the event.

    (ii) The license holder shall:

      (1) contract to provide food for consumption at the event described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph; or

      (2) ensure that food will be available for consumption at the event described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

    (iii) This paragraph does not prohibit a club from obtaining a Class C per diem license.

(d) The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor during the hours and days as set out under Sec. 22-2005(f) of this title.

(e)

  (1) The annual fees for the 6-day license, depending on the size of the membership of the fraternal organization, are:

    (i) $800, for a membership of 100 to 250;

    (ii) $1,050, for a membership of 251 to 450; and

    (iii) $1,200, for a membership of at least 451.

  (2) The annual fees for the 7-day license, depending on the size of the membership of the fraternal organization, are:

    (i) $900, for a membership of 100 to 250;

    (ii) $1,150, for a membership of 251 to 450; and

    (iii) $1,300, for a membership of at least 451.

#### Section 22-909

(a) There is:

  (1) a 6-day Class C-3 (country club, social organization, topiary garden, or yacht or boat club) beer, wine, and liquor license; and

  (2) a 7-day Class C-3 (country club, social organization, topiary garden, or yacht or boat club) beer, wine, and liquor license.

(b) The Board may issue the 6-day license or the 7-day license for use by:

  (1) a country club that:

    (i) may be operated for profit or not for profit;

    (ii) has at least 75 members paying dues of at least $50 per year per member; and

    (iii) maintains a regular or championship golf course of at least nine holes or a swimming pool that is at least 20 by 40 feet;

  (2) a social organization that:

    (i) may be operated for profit or not for profit;

    (ii) has at least 100 members paying dues of at least $200 per year per member;

    (iii) has at least 51% of its membership consisting of:

      (1) active members of the armed forces of the United States;

      (2) veterans of the armed forces of the United States;

      (3) active or retired first responders; and

      (4) the spouses and children of the eligible members under items 1 through 3 of this item;

    (iv) is secured by electronic means and is accessible only to members and their guests over the age of 21;

    (v) requires each server of alcoholic beverages at the social organization to hold a certificate of completion from an approved alcohol awareness program as described in Sec. 4-505 of this article;

    (vi) has parking facilities to accommodate the vehicles of members and their guests;

    (vii) is zoned for business or commercial use; and

    (viii) maintains a list of all active members available for review by the Board of License Commissioners;

  (3) a topiary garden that:

    (i) operates a public museum and garden for the members of the topiary garden and the public as guests of the members;

    (ii) is open to the public for at least 6 days a week for at least 6 hours a day during at least 5 months each year; and

    (iii) has food preparation facilities on the premises for the convenience of guests; or

  (4) a yacht or boat club that:

    (i) may be operated for profit or not for profit;

    (ii) owns real property in the county; and

    (iii) has at least 150 dues-paying members, of whom at least 50 own a yacht, boat, or other vessel.

(c)

  (1) The 6-day license authorizes the license holder to sell or provide beer, wine, and liquor from Monday through Saturday at a club at the place described in the license, for on-premises consumption by members and guests.

  (2) The 7-day license authorizes the license holder to sell or provide beer, wine, and liquor from Monday through Sunday at a club at the place described in the license, for on-premises consumption by members and guests.

  (3)

    (i) The 6-day license and the 7-day license authorize the license holder to sell or provide beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption by:

      (1) nonmembers of the club that have rented or leased an area of the licensed premises for entertainment, a conference, or a social event; and

      (2) guests who attend the event.

    (ii) The license holder shall:

      (1) contract to provide food for consumption at the event described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph; or

      (2) ensure that food will be available for consumption at the event described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

    (iii) This paragraph does not prohibit a club from obtaining a Class C per diem license.

(d)

  (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor during the hours and days as set out under Sec. 22-2004(f) of this title.

  (2) A social organization granted a license under this section may sell beer, wine, and liquor on Monday through Sunday, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

(e)

  (1) The annual fee for the 6-day license is $1,300.

  (2) The annual fee for the 7-day license is $1,400.

#### Section 22-910

(a) There is:

  (1) a Class D beer, wine, and liquor (on-sale) 7-day license; and

  (2) a Class D beer, wine, and liquor (on- and off-sale) 7-day license.

(b)

  (1) The Board may issue a Class D license to a current Class B license holder that applies for the license.

  (2) The applicant shall surrender to the Board the applicant's Class B license on the issuance of the Class D license.

(c) The license authorizes the license holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor at retail at the place described in the license for:

  (1) on-premises consumption, if an on-sale license; or

  (2) on- and off-premises consumption, if an on-sale and off-sale license.

(d) The Board may determine the number of licenses to be issued.

(e) The license may not be issued for use by a drugstore.

(f) The Board shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.

(g) The annual license fees are:

  (1) $3,000 for an on-sale license; and

  (2) $4,000 for an on- and off-sale license.

---

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