Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

SB 57
                      Department of Legislative Services
                              Maryland General Assembly
                                    2020 Session
                           FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
                                 Third Reader
Senate Bill 57                (Senator Simonaire, et al.)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs                            Economic Matters
          Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Petition of Support
This emergency bill repeals the petition of support requirement in Anne Arundel County
for alcoholic beverages license applications.
                                    Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None.
Local Effect: The bill does not materially affect Anne Arundel County finances or
operations.
Small Business Effect: Minimal.
                                         Analysis
Current Law/Background:
Petitions of Support for Alcoholic Beverages License Applications
Generally, an application to a local licensing board in the State for an alcoholic beverages
license must include a petition of support signed by at least 10 residents who own real
estate in and are registered voters of the precinct in which the potential licensed
establishment is located. The petition of support must state:
      the length of time a signer has been acquainted with the applicant;
      that a signer has examined the application, believes that the statements made in the
       application are true, and judges that the applicant is a suitable candidate for
       licensure; and
      that a signer is familiar with the premises of the proposed licensed establishment
       and finds the premises suitable for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages.
In fiscal 2019, there were 553 alcoholic beverages licenses issued in Anne Arundel County.
                               Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: HB 330 (Anne Arundel County Delegation) - Economic Matters.
Information Source(s): Anne Arundel County; Comptroller’s Office; Department of
Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History:      First Reader - February 13, 2020
rh/tso                    Third Reader - March 13, 2020
Analysis by: Donavan A. Ham                            Direct Inquiries to:
                                                       (410) 946-5510
                                                       (301) 970-5510
SB 57/ Page 2
Statutes affected: 
Text - First - Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Petition of Support: 4-110 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-102 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-1401 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-1404 Alcoholic Beverages
Text - Third - Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Petition of Support: 4-110 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-102 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-1401 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-1404 Alcoholic Beverages