HB 625
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader - Revised
House Bill 625 (Prince George's County Delegation)
Economic Matters Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs
Prince George’s County – Alcoholic Beverages – Alcohol Density Zones and
Licenses PG 307–21
This bill authorizes the Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners to
approve the transfer of a Class A beer, wine, and liquor license into a specified area only
if the original licensed premises is located in an “alcohol density zone.” The bill takes
effect July 1, 2021.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None.
Local Effect: Prince George’s County can monitor a license transfer with existing
resources. Prince George’s County revenues are not affected.
Small Business Effect: Minimal.
Analysis
Bill Summary: “Alcohol density zone” means a census tract having an average of three or
more licensed premises with a Class A beer, wine, and liquor license per square mile.
Current Law: In general, a local licensing board may not issue a Class A license for use
in conjunction with or on the premises of a chain store, supermarket, or discount house. A
Class A beer and light wine license authorizes a license holder to sell beer and light wine
for on- and off-premises consumption. The annual license fee is $500.
Generally, and with specified exceptions, the board may not issue a new license with an
off-sale privilege in, or approve the transfer of a license with an off-sale privilege into, the
21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, or 47th alcoholic beverages district in the county.
The board may issue a license or approve the transfer of a license into these areas if the
off-sale privilege of the license is waived.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Prince George’s County; Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 17, 2021
an/tso Third Reader - April 2, 2021
Revised - Amendment(s) - April 2, 2021
Analysis by: Amberly Holcomb Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
HB 625/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Prince George’s County – Alcoholic Beverages – Alcohol Density Zones and Licenses PG 307–21: 4-205 Alcoholic Beverages, 26-101 Alcoholic Beverages, 26-102 Alcoholic Beverages, 26-801 Alcoholic Beverages, 26-804 Alcoholic Beverages, 26-901 Alcoholic Beverages, 26-1603 Alcoholic Beverages
Text - Third - Prince George’s County – Alcoholic Beverages – Alcohol Density Zones and Licenses PG 307–21: 4-205 Alcoholic Beverages, 26-101 Alcoholic Beverages, 26-102 Alcoholic Beverages, 26-801 Alcoholic Beverages, 26-804 Alcoholic Beverages, 26-901 Alcoholic Beverages, 26-1603 Alcoholic Beverages