§ 31–1601
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Alco. Bev. § 31-1601 (2026)
Title 31. Washington County
Subtitle 16. Licensing Conditions; Multiple Licensing Plans
§ 31–1601LinkCopy Citation
(a)
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:
(1)
as determined by the last federal population census; but
(2)
excluding individuals detained or confined in a correctional facility as defined in § 1–101 of the Correctional Services Article.
(b)
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.
(c)
The Board may:
(1)
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:
(i)
determines that there is a public need and desire, including government–sanctioned economic revitalization; and
(ii)
states in the order issuing the license the reasons for its decision to exceed the population ratio quota; or
(2)
renew the license or approve the transfer of a license for the same premises.
(d)
The Board may issue an on–sale license to a restaurant that:
(1)
is located in a permanent building;
(2)
regularly sells and serves food to the public;
(3)
has a seating capacity of at least 50 persons; and
(4)
has annual gross sales of food and nonalcoholic beverages that exceed its annual gross sales of alcoholic beverages.