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SB 636

An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in sales and use tax, further providing for exclusions from tax.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michele Brooks and 4 co-sponsors

Frederick County may set local tasting limits for beer, wine, and liquor, including quantity per person and container counts, replacing fixed statewide serving caps.

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Bill Summary · SB 636

Summary — SB 636 (Chapter 825, 2025)

Frederick County — Alcoholic Beverages — Tasting Permits

Status: Approved by the Governor (Chapter 825). Enacted May 20, 2025. Effective date: July 1, 2025.

Purpose

SB 636 revises Frederick County law governing on‑premises “consumption” permits for beer, wine, and liquor by (1) renaming them as “tasting” permits and (2) replacing specified fixed serving‑size limits with a regulatory approach that gives the Frederick County Board of License Commissioners authority to set the quantities and container limits for tastings.

Key provisions

  • Renames two permit types:
    • Beer & Wine Consumption (BWC) → Beer & Wine Tasting (BWT) permit.
    • Beer, Wine & Liquor Consumption (BWLC) → Beer, Wine & Liquor Tasting (BWLT) permit.
  • Removes the prior statutory maximum serving sizes (e.g., 12 oz beer / 6 oz wine single‑serving or three 2 oz/1 oz/0.5 oz samples).
  • Requires the Frederick County Board of License Commissioners to regulate:
    • The quantity of beer, wine, and liquor that may be served to an individual under a tasting permit.
    • The number of bottles or other containers from which those quantities are served.
  • Retains other existing permit limitations:
    • Permits may be issued to holders of Class A licenses.
    • Tastings are authorized only on the licensed premises; open containers may not be removed and drive‑through service is prohibited.
    • The Board may issue permits without a public hearing; an applicant denied initially may request a hearing.
    • Permit renewals occur with the holder’s Class A license renewal.
  • Annual permit fees remain unchanged: $200 for beer & wine tasting; $400 for beer, wine & liquor tasting.

Who is affected

  • Frederick County licensees holding or seeking Class A retail licenses who want to provide on‑premises tastings (e.g., breweries, wineries, distilleries, specialty retailers).
  • The Frederick County Board of License Commissioners (new regulatory authority to set tasting limits).
  • Patrons of establishments offering tastings (serving amounts will be set locally rather than by statute).

Fiscal and operational impact

  • Fiscal note: No material State fiscal effect. Frederick County finances/operations are not materially affected. Small business impact: minimal.
  • Implementation: local Board must adopt rules/policies to define permissible tasting quantities and container limits prior to or upon the law taking effect.

Effective date

  • July 1, 2025.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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