SB 451
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
Senate Bill 451 (Senator Edwards)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Economic Matters
Garrett County – Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2021
This bill removes the one-time issuing fees for new Class C (club and organization) beer,
wine, and liquor licenses and new art establishment licenses issued in Garrett County. The
bill also authorizes a Class C per diem beer, wine, and liquor license holder to purchase
liquor, in addition to beer and wine, from a wholesaler. The bill takes effect July 1, 2021.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None.
Local Effect: None. The bill clarifies current law, as discussed below.
Small Business Effect: Minimal.
Analysis
Bill Summary/Current Law:
License Issuance Fees
In Garrett County, there is a Class C (club and organization) beer, wine, and liquor license.
Current law requires the board to charge a one-time issuing fee for a new license in an
amount equal to the annual license fee ($1,500 for a six-day license or $1,750 for a
seven-day license). There is also an art establishment license, which has an annual license
fee of $205 and a one-time issuing fee for a new license of $205. The bill repeals the
one-time issuing fees for both types of licenses to conform with § 21-1406 of the Alcoholic
Beverages Article, which exempts a nonprofit license holder in Garrett County from paying
an issuing fee for a new license, as specified.
Class C Per Diem Beer, Wine, and Liquor License
Under current law, a holder of a Class C per diem beer, wine, and liquor license in
Garrett County may purchase beer and wine from a wholesaler, or beer, wine, and liquor
from a retailer. The bill alters the statutory language and authorizes license holders to
purchase beer, wine, and liquor from either a wholesaler or retailer.
Local Fiscal Effect: Garrett County advises that they currently do not charge an issuing
fee to new Class C per diem beer, wine, and liquor licenses or new art establishment
licenses issued in the county. Rather, the bill conforms the affected provisions of these
licenses with § 21-1406 of the Alcoholic Beverages Article, which exempts a nonprofit
license holder in Garrett County from paying an issuing fee for a new license, as specified.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: HB 632 (Delegate Beitzel) - Economic Matters.
Information Source(s): Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 15, 2021
an/tso Third Reader - March 19, 2021
Analysis by: Tyler Allard Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 451/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Garrett County – Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2021: 41-204 Alcoholic Beverages, 21-102 Alcoholic Beverages, 21-904 Alcoholic Beverages, 21-1001 Alcoholic Beverages, 21-1301 Alcoholic Beverages, 21-1310 Alcoholic Beverages, 21-1312 Alcoholic Beverages
Text - Third - Garrett County – Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2021: 41-204 Alcoholic Beverages, 21-102 Alcoholic Beverages, 21-904 Alcoholic Beverages, 21-1001 Alcoholic Beverages, 21-1301 Alcoholic Beverages, 21-1310 Alcoholic Beverages, 21-1312 Alcoholic Beverages