Frequently Asked Questions

One-Day Class C, Special Alcoholic Beverage License:

A One-Day license allows non-profit organizations, clubs, associations, societies and groups of people to hold one-time events where alcoholic beverages are served and/or consumed. The license is of Class C, “Special One-Day”. The Type may be “Beer & Wine” or “Beer, Wine & Liquor”. The requirements and fees are generally much smaller for a One-Day license than for other (permanent) types. Also, no public hearing is required.

1) For any event where alcoholic beverages are served/consumed, held by a bona fide non-profit organization, where participants are charged money in any way. (For-profit organizations cannot obtain a One-Day license.)

2) For any event where alcoholic beverages are served/consumed held by a non-profit association, society, club, or organization, where participants are not charged money in any way.
 
3) For any event where alcoholic beverages are served/consumed held by a group of three or more people, on a property other than their own home(s). (Note: the names of three (3) organizers are required on any One-day liquor license.)
Visit the online One-Day License Application website to apply for the one-day license. 
 
All one-day licenses must be issued to three (3) people attending the event and over 21 years of age.

Outdoor Service:

A letter, addressed to the Board of License Commissioners requesting Outdoor Service.

  • An illustration (does not have to be professionally commissioned or to scale, but must be clear and legible and photos are encouraged along with the illustration) that contains the following information:
    • The outdoor service area in relation to the existing establishment on the premises.
    • Basic dimensions within the Illustration.
    • Designated perimeter with clearly marked entry or exit points from within the building and any entry or exit points from the outside service area. (Signage may be used, in lieu of outdoor ingress/egress points, with the consultation and approval of the Board).
  • Permission from the property owner.
  • Any permits that may be required (e.g. pursuant to Planning and Zoning regulations as approved by Inspections and Permits) are presented (e.g. if the service is on a sidewalk or parking lot, may require permission from Inspection and Permits, any tent over 200 square ft, would require).

A detailed description of how the alcohol will be served and monitored.

The Board:

1) Oversees the enforcement of alcoholic beverage laws as set forth in Annotated Code of Maryland, Alcoholic Beverages I, Titles 1-12.
 
2) Establishes rules and regulations pertaining to alcoholic beverages for Anne Arundel County as set forth in “Rules and Regulations of the Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County”.
 
3) Presides over public hearings for licenses.
 
4) Approves/disapproves liquor license applications and imposes sanctions and fines for infractions of the Rules and Regulations, and/or the Annotated Code of Maryland, Alcoholic Beverages I, Titles 1-12.

The Board consists of a Chairman and two Commissioners, all three of whom are appointed by the Governor every two years. Not more than two of the three Board members may be from the same political party. By custom, the senior state Senator recommends the Board Chairman to the Governor. New appointments are effective on May 1 of odd years (for example, May 1, 2009.) The following are hired by the Board: an attorney, 3 staff personnel who work full time at the Liquor Board offices,1 chief inspector, 1 deputy chief inspector, and 16 inspectors. Inspectors, working part-time, investigate complaints and violations, inspect establishments, and “have all the powers of a peace officer or a constable or sheriff of the State of Maryland.”

Annotated Code of Maryland, Alcoholic Beverages I, Titles 1-12, directs that each county, plus the cities of Baltimore and Annapolis, will establish and maintain a “Board of License Commissioners” to regulate and control the retail sale of alcohol within their respective jurisdictions. Annotated Code of Maryland, Alcoholic Beverages I, Titles 1-12, specifies how Boards are appointed and constituted, their jurisdictions and powers, ethics rules, and generally how they will operate.