Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

SB 855
                      Department of Legislative Services
                              Maryland General Assembly
                                    2021 Session
                           FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
                                 Third Reader
Senate Bill 855               (Senator Hershey)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs                             Economic Matters
      Queen Anne's County - Alcoholic Beverages - Repeal of Place of Worship
                                  Prohibition
This bill removes the prohibition on the Queen Anne’s County Board of License
Commissioners from issuing an alcoholic beverages license to an establishment located
within 500 feet of a place of worship. The bill takes effect July 1, 2021.
                                    Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None.
Local Effect: The bill is not anticipated to materially affect Queen Anne’s County
finances.
Small Business Effect: Overall minimal but potential meaningful for establishments that
are able to obtain an alcoholic beverages license under the bill.
                                         Analysis
Current Law: Generally, the board may not issue alcoholic beverages licenses to
establishments located within 500 feet of a place of worship, an elementary or secondary
school, a public library, or a youth center sponsored or conducted by a government unit.
This prohibition does not apply to the renewal or transfer of a license issued before
May 1, 1976, or the issuance of a Class B (on-sale) hotel and restaurant license of any type.
                               Additional Information
Prior Introductions: HB 39 of 2020 passed the House and passed the Senate with
amendments, but differences between the two versions were not reconciled prior to the
conclusion of the legislative session.
Designated Cross File: HB 323 (Delegate Arentz) - Economic Matters.
Information Source(s): Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History:    First Reader - February 17, 2021
an/tso                  Third Reader - March 19, 2021
Analysis by: Thomas S. Elder                        Direct Inquiries to:
                                                    (410) 946-5510
                                                    (301) 970-5510
SB 855/ Page 2
Statutes affected: 
Text - First - Queen Anne's County - Alcoholic Beverages - Repeal of Place of Worship Prohibition: 27-102 Alcoholic Beverages, 27-1601 Alcoholic Beverages
Text - Third - Queen Anne's County - Alcoholic Beverages - Repeal of Place of Worship Prohibition: 27-102 Alcoholic Beverages, 27-1601 Alcoholic Beverages