# Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis (GAB)

## Title 32. Wicomico County

### Subtitle 2. Board of License Commissioners

#### Section 32-201

(a) There is a Board of License Commissioners for Wicomico County.

(b) The Board is a State unit that administers this title and may issue, deny, revoke, or suspend licenses.

#### Section 32-202

(a) The Governor shall appoint five members to the Board, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b)

  (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, each member of the Board shall be:

    (i) a resident and voter of the county;

    (ii) an individual of high character and integrity and of recognized business capacity; and

    (iii) nominated by the County Executive.

  (2) Three members of the Board shall be residents of the City of Salisbury, nominated jointly by the County Executive and the Mayor of Salisbury.

(c)

  (1) The term of a member is 4 years.

  (2) The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 2020.

(d)

  (1) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

  (2) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the remainder of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(e)

  (1) The Governor may remove a member for misconduct in office, incompetence, or willful neglect of duty.

  (2) The Governor shall give a member who is charged a copy of the charges against the member and, with at least 10 days' notice, an opportunity to be heard publicly in person or by counsel.

  (3) If a member is removed, the Governor shall file with the Office of the Secretary of State a statement of charges against the member and the Governor's findings on the charges.

#### Section 32-203

The Governor shall designate a chair from among the members of the Board.

#### Section 32-204

(a)

  (1) The chair of the Board shall receive $5,000 annually.

  (2) Each other member of the Board shall receive $4,000 annually.

(b) Subject to this section and Sec. 32-205 of this subtitle, the Board may:

  (1) employ:

    (i) a secretary;

    (ii) inspectors; and

    (iii) clerical and other assistants as are necessary; and

  (2) set the compensation of the employees.

(c)

  (1) The Board may designate an attorney for the Board.

  (2) The annual salary of the attorney:

    (i) is $10,000; and

    (ii) shall be provided in the county budget.

#### Section 32-205

(a)

  (1) The Board shall appoint a full-time inspector and a part-time inspector.

  (2) The salaries of the inspectors shall be as provided in the county budget.

(b) The inspectors have the powers of a peace officer or sheriff in the State arising out of or relating to the enforcement of this article.

(c) The Board shall specify the duties of the inspectors, which shall be for the proper administration and enforcement of the alcoholic beverages laws in the county.

(d) The inspectors shall take the oath required by Article I, Sec. 9 of the Maryland Constitution.

(e)

  (1) The inspectors shall separately provide a penalty bond of $2,000 to the Board and the county jointly on the condition that the inspector and part-time inspector faithfully perform the duties of office.

  (2) The county shall pay the cost of the bonds.

#### Section 32-206

The County Council shall pay the salaries and expenses of the Board.

#### Section 32-207

(a) The Board shall coordinate the enforcement of all alcoholic beverages licensing laws for the county.

(b) The Board may adopt regulations to carry out this article.

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