Senate committee hears several local alcohol licensing proposals from Howard and Prince George’s delegations
March 26, 2026 | Finance Committee, SENATE, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Maryland
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Senate Finance Committee heard three localized alcohol and licensing proposals from county delegations.
Senator Clarence Lam presented HB 456 to permit Howard County to issue a special permit allowing florists and gift‑basket businesses (excluding chains and supermarkets) to sell and deliver alcoholic beverages to adult customers as part of gift baskets; the sponsor estimated about 15 eligible local businesses.
Senator Alonzo Washington presented two Prince George’s County measures. HB 443 would authorize a Class B Small Event Center beer, wine and liquor license for qualifying venues (criteria include seating capacity and a kitchen) and limit the number of licenses issued. HB 611 would raise annual license fees and certain application and transfer fees—roughly a 10 percent increase—so the county may adjust revenue for licensing functions. The delegation said it will determine a final position at a later delegation meeting.
Senator Clarence Lam presented HB 456 to permit Howard County to issue a special permit allowing florists and gift‑basket businesses (excluding chains and supermarkets) to sell and deliver alcoholic beverages to adult customers as part of gift baskets; the sponsor estimated about 15 eligible local businesses.
Senator Alonzo Washington presented two Prince George’s County measures. HB 443 would authorize a Class B Small Event Center beer, wine and liquor license for qualifying venues (criteria include seating capacity and a kitchen) and limit the number of licenses issued. HB 611 would raise annual license fees and certain application and transfer fees—roughly a 10 percent increase—so the county may adjust revenue for licensing functions. The delegation said it will determine a final position at a later delegation meeting.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
