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Bill

Bill

SB 399

Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Class C Per Diem License Fees

2026 Regular Session

SB 399 adjusts Class C per diem alcoholic beverage license fees in Anne Arundel County, affecting temporary event alcohol service costs and county licensing revenue.

Returned Passed
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Bill Summary · SB 399

Legislative bill overview

SB 399 modifies the fee structure for Class C per diem alcoholic beverage licenses in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The bill adjusts how much establishments pay for temporary licenses to serve alcohol at events or special occasions. This represents a local regulatory and revenue adjustment specific to Anne Arundel County's licensing system.

Why is this important

Class C per diem licenses are used by restaurants, caterers, and event venues for temporary alcohol service at festivals, fundraisers, and private events. Fee changes directly affect the operational costs for small businesses and event organizers, potentially influencing how frequently venues can host such events and what prices they charge consumers. This also impacts county revenue used for licensing administration and enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Small business impact: Higher fees could disproportionately burden smaller venues and caterers who rely on occasional per diem licenses, potentially reducing event hosting or raising consumer prices
  • Competitive fairness: Fee adjustments may create unequal competitive conditions between establishments with year-round licenses versus those using temporary licenses for specific events
  • Revenue versus access trade-off: If fees increase significantly, the county gains revenue but may reduce the number of events able to obtain licenses, affecting community gatherings and local commerce

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

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