Bill > SB75

This bill modifies existing Maryland law regarding the issuance and transfer of alcoholic beverage licenses, specifically Class A licenses, which permit the sale of beer or beer and wine. Previously, local licensing boards were generally prohibited from issuing these licenses for use in chain stores, supermarkets, or discount houses. However, this bill introduces an exception, allowing certain "food retailers" to obtain a Class A license. A food retailer is defined as a retail establishment that sells food products in at least five specified categories, accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) credits, has a minimum of 3,200 square feet, and meets certain distance requirements from places of worship or schools and residential properties. Under the new provisions, a food retailer located within 3,000 feet of an existing Class A license holder can offer to purchase that license at its "fair market value," which is defined as the price between a willing seller and a willing buyer with full knowledge of relevant facts. If the food retailer acquires a Class A license through this process, they can only sell beer or beer and wine, regardless of the original license type. If the existing license holder refuses the offer or disputes the fair market value, the food retailer can still apply to the local licensing board for a Class A beer or beer and wine license, with such applications presumed to be in the community's best interest and subject to judicial review if the fair market value is contested. The bill also clarifies that the transfer of existing Class A licenses to chain stores, supermarkets, or discount houses remains restricted unless the establishment already holds a similar license or the transfer is to a similar type of establishment. This Act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0075?ys=2026RS