Bill > HB574

This bill modifies alcoholic beverage licensing regulations specifically for St. Mary's County, Maryland, by allowing the Board of License Commissioners to issue up to three Class B beer, wine, and liquor restaurant licenses to an individual or business entity, with important restrictions. Under the new rules, these licenses must be for separate premises, and only one of the three licenses may authorize alcohol sales for off-premises consumption. The bill also establishes clear limitations on business interests in these licenses, prohibiting a person from having a direct or indirect interest in more than three Class B restaurant licenses, and more critically, no more than one license that allows off-premises alcohol sales. The bill comprehensively defines what constitutes an "indirect interest" between businesses, including shared ownership, franchise agreements, common trade names, shared directors or stockholders, and other interconnected business relationships. By providing these specific guidelines, the bill aims to regulate and potentially limit the concentration of alcohol sales licenses in St. Mary's County, with the provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0574?ys=2025RS