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Bill

Bill

HB 571

Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class C Licenses - Events

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nic Kipke

HB 571 expands Anne Arundel County Class C liquor licenses to permit alcohol service at approved special events beyond primary premises, increasing venue flexibility and county revenue.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 796
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Bill Summary · HB 571

Legislative bill overview

HB 571 modifies Class C liquor license regulations in Anne Arundel County to expand their use for special events and temporary occasions. The bill allows holders of Class C licenses to serve alcoholic beverages at county-approved events beyond their primary licensed premises, subject to specific conditions and oversight.

Why is this important

This legislation affects local businesses, event organizers, and venues in Anne Arundel County by providing greater flexibility in how and where licensed alcohol can be served. It can stimulate economic activity by enabling more events to feature alcohol service while generating additional licensing fees and tax revenue for the county.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory oversight concerns: Expanding where Class C licenses can operate requires adequate enforcement mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure compliance with alcohol service laws across multiple temporary venues
  • Public safety considerations: Off-premises alcohol service at events may raise questions about crowd control, underage drinking prevention, and emergency response capabilities at various event locations
  • Fairness and competitive impact: Existing venues with full liquor licenses may view expanded Class C privileges as unfair competition, potentially affecting their business models and licensing investments

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

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