Bill proposed to loosen transfer rules for Class B and D liquor licenses in county

Delegate Ebersole (presenting HB1474) said the bill responds to scenarios where Class B and D liquor licenses that were moved out of oversaturated election districts face restrictions on subsequent transfers or conversion. The bill would repeal those limits and also apply the repeal to any reissued or newly issued licenses that had previously been moved.

"We're trying to smooth over the process a little bit here," the sponsor said, describing amendments intended to clarify drafting issues. Jack Milani, representing the Baltimore County Licensed Beverage Association, testified that the organization worked with the liquor-board administrator and supported the bill: converting those transferred licenses into regular Class B status would align food, seating and other requirements with other Class B establishments.

There were no questions from delegates during the hearing and no formal vote at this meeting.