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SB 442

Anne Arundel County - Population Ratio Quota for Class A (Off-Sale) and Class D (Off-Sale) Licenses - Exemption

2026 Regular Session

SB 442 exempts Anne Arundel County from Maryland's population-based quota limits on beer/wine and liquor off-sale licenses, allowing unrestricted retail licensing.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 859
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Bill Summary · SB 442

Legislative bill overview

SB 442 would exempt Anne Arundel County from Maryland's population ratio quota system that currently limits the number of Class A (beer and wine off-sale) and Class D (liquor off-sale) licenses based on county population. This bill would allow Anne Arundel County to issue these licenses beyond the state-mandated population-based caps.

Why is this important

Population quotas restrict business formation and can create artificial scarcity that benefits existing license holders while preventing new retailers from entering the market. This exemption could increase consumer choice, reduce prices through competition, and generate additional tax revenue for Anne Arundel County, but it also reflects a tension between state-level regulation and local economic development priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Existing license holder concerns: Current off-sale retailers may oppose increased competition that could reduce their market share and profitability
  • Public health considerations: Critics may argue that removing caps could increase alcohol availability and consumption rates, particularly in specific neighborhoods
  • State regulatory consistency: The exemption creates differential rules across Maryland counties, which some view as undermining statewide licensing standards designed to manage alcohol availability uniformly

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

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