In this section, “population ratio quota” means one license for every 3,000 individuals residing in the election district where the license will be issued: as determined by the last federal population census; but excluding individuals detained or confined in a correctional facility as defined in § 1–101 of the Correctional Services Article. Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the Board may not issue a Class A off–sale license, a Class B on– and off–sale license, or a Class D on– and off–sale license in an election district if the number of licenses exceeds the population ratio quota. The Board may: issue a Class A off–sale license, a Class B on– and off–sale license, or a Class D on– and off–sale license if the Board: determines that there is a public need and desire, including government–sanctioned economic revitalization; and states in the order issuing the license the reasons for its decision to exceed the population ratio quota; or renew the license or approve the transfer of a license for the same premises. The Board may issue an on–sale license to a restaurant that: is located in a permanent building; regularly sells and serves food to the public; has a seating capacity of at least 50 persons; and has annual gross sales of food and nonalcoholic beverages that exceed its annual gross sales of alcoholic beverages.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Board may not issue a license: until all outstanding gaming proceeds, payments, and fines that are unpaid by the license holder or applicant have been paid or judicially satisfied; or for any location that previously was licensed under this title, until all county taxes that are unpaid by the license holder for the operation of the business under the previous license have been paid or judicially satisfied. The prohibition against issuing a license in subsection (a) of this section does not apply to: a temporary license; or a certificate of permission or renewal license issued to a personal representative under § 4–803 of this article.