Prince George's delegation schedules late-file bill hearing, advances alcohol-license changes and fee increase

The Prince George’s County House Delegation voted on Feb. 6 to suspend its rules and hold a virtual late-file-bill hearing on Monday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. Staff will publish sign-up instructions; public testimony (oral or written) must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12.

During committee reports the delegation advanced several alcohol-related measures from the law enforcement subcommittee. The subcommittee moved HB443 (PG31226) favorably as amended; the amendment established a class B small event center on‑sale beer, wine and liquor license for facilities with kitchen and dining serving about 75–110 people, set a $350,000 minimum capital investment/appraised‑value threshold (excluding land and lease costs), capped issuance at 24 licenses per year (maximum three per state legislative district) and set an annual license fee of $3,500.

The delegation also moved HB406 (PG31326) favorably. Sponsors described HB406 as an administrative fix that clarifies exceptions to a restriction on issuing multiple class B (on‑sale beer and wine) licenses to the same person or premises and said the bill applies to restaurants (class B licenses) rather than packaged liquor sellers. County licensing staff said the measure is intended to increase clarity about ownership and enable small local restaurant operators to expand in parity with larger chains.

Not all members supported the changes without reservation. A delegate raised public‑safety concerns about small event centers and said a recent homicide in her district prompted skepticism that more licenses could increase risk; county staff offered to meet offline with the member to address specifics.

The delegation held HB558 (PG31626), which would change wine festival licensing, so that members could consider suggested amendments before the standing committee deadline. The chair said holding the measure would still allow consideration in time for the General Assembly’s alcohol-focused hearing schedule.

HB611 (PG31726) — a broad set of adjustments to roughly 50 alcoholic‑beverage application, license, permit and transfer fees in Prince George’s County — also moved favorably. County staff said fees have not been updated since 2016 and the bill increases many fees by about 10% as a uniform approximation; staff gave examples including a beer and wine license rising from $500 to $550 and stadium licenses increasing proportionally.

From county affairs, the delegation moved PG408, permitting the county to create a higher property‑tax rate specifically for vacant and abandoned property. The subcommittee requested and received an opinion from the attorney general’s office describing TRIM‑related nuances for the county; the bill advanced 6–0 in subcommittee and passed favorably before the delegation.

Votes at a glance (as recorded on Feb. 6):
- Motion to suspend rules for late-file hearing (virtual Feb. 16, 10 a.m.): passed (18 yes; roll call recorded on the record).
- HB443 (small event center license) as amended: moved favorably (committee action recorded; subcommittee amendment adopted).
- HB406 (multiple class B licenses exception for restaurants): moved favorably (roll call recorded; reported favorably).
- HB558 (wine festival license repeal): held for further amendment and discussion.
- HB611 (alcohol fees increase): moved favorably (vote recorded; staff said ~10% across many fees).
- PG408 (vacant/abandoned property tax rate special rate): moved favorably (subcommittee 6–0; delegation vote recorded).

Next steps: Delegation staff will circulate hearing logistics and deadlines. Subcommittees will refine held bills and coordinate with county licensing staff where members requested additional safety and administrative clarifications.