SB 180
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2020 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
Senate Bill 180 (Senator Simonaire)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Economic Matters
Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Notice of License Application
This bill authorizes the Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners to post a
completed alcoholic beverages license application online at least 10 days prior to the
hearing date instead of posting this notification in a newspaper as currently required. The
board must require an applicant to post a suitable notice in a conspicuous place at the
location described in the application for at least 10 days. The bill takes effect July 1, 2020.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None.
Local Effect: Beginning in FY 2021, Anne Arundel County expenditures decrease by
approximately $20,000 annually due to reduced newspaper advertising costs. Revenues are
not affected.
Small Business Effect: Minimal.
Analysis
Current Law: Generally, prior to any local board of license commissioners in the State
approving an application for an alcoholic beverages license, the board must publish a notice
of the application two times in two successive weeks in newspapers, as specified.
Local Expenditures: The county advises that it currently spends approximately
$20,000 annually to meet the current newspaper notification requirement for alcoholic
beverages application hearings. Under the bill, the county is authorized to post this required
information online, which may be done on the existing website at minimal cost. Therefore,
Anne Arundel County expenditures decrease by approximately $20,000 each year due to
reduced newspaper advertising costs.
Background: In fiscal 2019, there were 553 alcoholic beverages licenses issued in
Anne Arundel County.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: HB 329 (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 180/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Notice of License Application: 4-208 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-102 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-1508 Alcoholic Beverages, 4-208 Alcoholic Beverages
Text - Third - Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Notice of License Application: 4-208 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-102 Alcoholic Beverages, 11-1508 Alcoholic Beverages, 4-208 Alcoholic Beverages