There is a Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County.

The Governor shall appoint five members to the Board, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Each member of the Board shall be: a resident and voter of the county; and an individual of high character and integrity and of recognized business capacity. The term of a member is 4 years. The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on June 1, 2026. The Governor shall appoint an eligible individual to fill a vacancy during the remainder of the term of office of the individual originally appointed in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. 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. The Governor may remove a member for misconduct in office, incompetence, or willful neglect of duty. 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. 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.

In addition to the regular members of the Board, the Governor shall appoint a substitute Board member. The term of the substitute member is 4 years. The substitute member: shall serve on the Board in the absence of a quorum of the regular members due to illness or conflict of interest; and has all of the powers and duties of a regular member when serving on the Board.

In making the appointments, the Governor shall designate a chair from among the members of the Board.

The chair of the Board shall receive a salary of not less than $2,500 annually, as determined by the County Commissioners. Each other regular member of the Board shall receive a salary of not less than $2,100 annually, as determined by the County Commissioners. The substitute member of the Board shall receive compensation that the County Commissioners determine for services when acting on the Board. Subject to § 33–206 of this subtitle, the Board may: employ: a secretary; inspectors; and clerical and other assistants as are necessary; and set the compensation of the employees.

The Board may appoint an inspector with the consent of the County Commissioners. The salary of the inspector shall be as provided in the county budget. The inspector has the powers of a peace officer or sheriff in the State arising out of or relating to the enforcement of this article. The Board shall specify the duties of the inspector, including the proper administration and enforcement of the alcoholic beverages laws in the county. The inspector shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.

The Board of County Commissioners shall pay the salaries and expenses of the Board of License Commissioners.

A person may not play on licensed premises music that exceeds the noise level limits established under local law. The Board may regulate the playing time and noise level of live music, a mechanical music box, or a sound making device on licensed premises if the sound disturbs the peace, tranquility, safety, and health of the surrounding neighborhood. If the Board finds that a licensed premises is in violation of this section, the Board may: require the license holder to alter the time that the music is played; require the license holder to reduce the noise level; or take any other enforcement action that is authorized under this article.

The Board may adopt regulations to carry out this article.