Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County – Annapolis, MD

Alcohol Licensing and Regulation

The Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County, located on Commerce Park Drive, serves as the primary regulatory authority for the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages within the region. This three-member board, appointed by the Governor of Maryland, is tasked with overseeing the issuance, transfer, and renewal of liquor licenses for local businesses, including restaurants, bars, and package stores. The Board ensures that all establishments operate in strict accordance with the Alcoholic Beverages Article of the Maryland Code.

Enforcement and Hearings

A critical function of the Board is the enforcement of state and local liquor laws. Through its inspection division, the agency conducts compliance checks to verify that licensees are adhering to regulations regarding hours of operation, sales to minors, and public safety. The Board holds regular public hearings to adjudicate alleged violations, which may result in fines, license suspension, or revocation. These hearings also provide a forum for community members to voice concerns regarding the granting of new licenses in their neighborhoods.

Services for Businesses and Non-Profits

The office accepts and processes applications for a variety of license types, ranging from annual retail licenses to One-Day Liquor Licenses for non-profit fundraising events. Staff members assist applicants with the complex requirements of the licensing process, which includes background checks, zoning approval, and public notice posting. While the Board’s administrative office handles the paperwork and fee collection, final decisions on licenses are made during the scheduled board meetings.