# Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis (GAB)

## Title 31. Washington County

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

#### Section 31-1601

(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 Sec. 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.

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