# Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis (GAB)

## Title 31. Washington County

### Subtitle 19. Conduct of License Holders

#### Section 31-1901

(a) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 5 ("Conduct of Local License Holders") of Division I of this article apply in the county without exception or variation:

  (1) Sec. 4-502 ("Storage of alcoholic beverages");

  (2) Sec. 4-503 ("Solicitations and sales outside of licensed premises");

  (3) Sec. 4-506 ("Evidence of purchaser's age");

  (4) Sec. 4-507 ("Retail delivery of alcoholic beverages"); and

  (5) Sec. 4-508 ("Display of license").

(b) The following sections of Title 4, Subtitle 5 ("Conduct of Local License Holders") of Division I of this article apply in the county:

  (1) Sec. 4-504 ("Employment of underage individuals"), subject to Sec. 31-1902 of this subtitle; and

  (2) Sec. 4-505 ("Alcohol awareness program"), subject to Sec. 31-1903 of this subtitle.

#### Section 31-1902

A license holder may employ an individual who is:

(1) at least 18 years old to sell, serve, deliver, or otherwise deal with alcoholic beverages; or

(2) at least 16 years old to perform any task other than to sell, serve, or deliver alcoholic beverages.

#### Section 31-1903

(a)

  (1) The license holder or an individual designated by the license holder who is employed in a supervisory capacity shall:

    (i) be certified by an approved alcohol awareness program; and

    (ii) except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, be present on the licensed premises during the hours in which alcoholic beverages may be sold.

  (2) The license holder or individual specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection may be absent from the licensed premises for a personal or business reason or an emergency if the absence lasts for not more than 2 hours.

  (3) The Board shall require the license holder to keep a log book on the licensed premises that documents each temporary absence, the length of time of the absence, and the reason for the absence, in the form that the Board requires.

(b) A license holder who violates this section is subject to:

  (1) for a first offense, a $100 fine; and

  (2) for each subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $500 or a suspension or revocation of the license or both.

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