SB 126
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2020 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader - Revised
Senate Bill 126 (Senator Reilly)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Economic Matters
Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Entertainment Facilities
This emergency bill alters the manner in which the holder of an entertainment facility
license in Anne Arundel County may sell beer, wine, and liquor to include the sale by the
glass or by the bottle. The bill expands the scope of authorized acts that may be performed
in the licensed entertainment facility, as specified. The bill authorizes the Anne Arundel
County Board of License Commissioners to allow the holder of an entertainment facility
license to sell alcoholic beverages for promotional events in an area adjacent to the
entertainment facility if that area is both under controlled access of the license holder and
is a parking lot, picnic ground, building, or terrace controlled by the license holder. The
bill also authorizes the board to revoke an entertainment facility license for displays of
nudity and sexual acts at the entertainment facility, as specified.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None.
Local Effect: The bill does not materially affect Anne Arundel County operations or
finances.
Small Business Effect: Minimal.
Analysis
Current Law/Background: In Anne Arundel County, an “entertainment facility” is a
location that contains one or more food service facilities, bars, or lounges that are part of
the operation of the entertainment facility.
An entertainment facility license permits the holder to sell beer, wine, and liquor in any
location of the entertainment facility that is not covered by an entertainment concessionaire
license for consumption anywhere in the facility. Additionally, the license authorizes the
playing of music and dancing.
Generally, the board is required to revoke an alcoholic beverages license if after a hearing
the license holder is found to provide prohibited sexual entertainment on its premises, as
specified. However, the board may not revoke a license if (1) the person operates a theater,
concert hall, art center, museum, or similar establishment that is primarily devoted to the
arts or theatrical performances and (2) the performances express matters of serious literary,
artistic, scientific, or political value.
In fiscal 2019, there were 553 alcoholic beverages licenses issued in Anne Arundel County.
There is one entertainment facility license in Anne Arundel County (Maryland Live!).
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: HB 558 (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 14, 2020
Revised - Amendment(s) - March 14, 2020
Analysis by: Donavan A. Ham Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 126/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Entertainment Facilities: 11-102 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-1005 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-2004 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-1609 Alcoholic Beverages
Text - Third - Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Entertainment Facilities: 4-605 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-102 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-1005 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-2004 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-1609 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-2101 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-2104 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-2104 Alcoholic Beverages