Bill > SB854

This bill authorizes a food retailer to offer to purchase a Class A alcoholic beverages license from a Class A license holder if the food retailer is located within 3,000 feet of the license holder. The food retailer can apply to the local licensing board for a Class A beer or beer and wine license if the license holder does not accept the offer. The bill defines a "food retailer" as an establishment that offers a full line of food products in at least six specified categories and has a minimum of 50% of its public area dedicated to the sale of those food and beverage items, or a minimum of 6,000 square feet with at least 5% of the public area dedicated to such items. The application by a food retailer for a Class A license is presumed to be in the best interest of the community and can only be denied for traditional reasons considered by the local licensing board.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0854?ys=2023RS