Delegation hears HB 121 to allow restaurant 'cocktails to go' with meal and age verification

Sponsor Delegate Kathy Shalaga presented HB 121, a bill to permit restaurants with the appropriate liquor license to sell cocktails to-go when paired with a meal and with in-person age verification. The sponsor described the policy as a continuation of COVID-era allowances and said it benefits struggling restaurants.

"This is called the cocktails to go bill... We did this under COVID. It was spectacularly successful," the sponsor said, describing examples of local restaurants that could benefit. The bill excludes third-party delivery (DoorDash) and requires the patron to buy food and be verified in person.

Jack Malani, speaking for license holders, testified in support. County staff said Baltimore County would take no position on the bill. The committee completed the informational hearing and did not record a vote.