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SB 927

Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - Related Event Promoter's Permit

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Malcolm Augustine and 4 co-sponsors

Baltimore City creates a Related Event Promoter’s Permit framework requiring promoters and licensees to obtain a permit for alcohol-related events tied to the Kappa Alpha Psi Concl

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 843
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 927

Summary of Senate Bill 927 (2026) – Baltimore City: Alcoholic Beverages – Related Event Promoter's Permit

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a “Related Event Promoter’s Permit” in Baltimore City to authorize events related to the Kappa Alpha Psi 2027 Conclave.
  • Creates a framework for collaboration between license holders (alcoholic beverages licenses) and third-party promoters for related events tied to the Conclave.
  • Specifically targets the Conclave event schedule and activities in Baltimore City, with a sunset provision (act terminates December 31, 2027).

Key definitions

  • Related event: An event tied to the Kappa Alpha Psi Conclave where a license holder partners with a third-party promoter to sell/provide alcohol during a defined period, with at least 75 anticipated participants. Includes public-ticketed events such as concerts, entertainment, happy hours, or parties.
  • Related event promoter: An individual, for-profit, or nonprofit organization promoting such a related event.
  • License holder: An existing alcohol licensee under Baltimore City’s Board of License Commissioners.

Major provisions and changes

  1. Permit requirement

    • A related event promoter or a participating license holder must obtain a permit from the Baltimore City Board of License Commissioners before promoting, selling tickets for, organizing, operating, producing, or staging a related event.
    • A State caterer’s license holder must obtain a Class C per diem license (beer, beer and wine, or beer, wine, and liquor) from the Board to participate in a related event.

  2. Application timing and prerequisites

    • Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the related event.
    • Before grant, the applicant must:
      • Obtain written consent from a designee of Visit Baltimore.
      • If required by premises type, obtain a Baltimore City Department of Transportation Special Event Permit and provide a copy to the Board.
      • Submit a dated, notarized, and signed application, listing all participating premises and any other documents the Board requires.
    • Residency/voter status in Baltimore City is not required to be eligible for the permit.

  3. Board action timeline

    • The Board must grant, deny, or request more information within 7 days of receiving the application.
    • Permits may not be altered within 14 days before the scheduled event.

  4. Permit authorization and duration

    • The permit authorizes the related event promoter and participating license holder to conduct the related event.
    • The permit’s term aligns with the time specified on the required special event permit.

  5. Regulatory and notice authority

    • The Board may adopt regulations governing:
      • Health and safety standards for related events and participants.
      • Public notice requirements for related events at the premises of participating license holders.

  6. Fees

    • Application fee: $50 (paid with the submission of the application).
    • Permit fee (paid when granted):
      • $500 if the Fire Marshal determines the venue capacity is under 300.
      • $1,500 if the Fire Marshal determines capacity is 300 or more.

  7. Penalties and enforcement

    • If a related event is publicized, ticketed, or charged a cover without a valid permit, fines range from $1,000 to $3,000, or license suspension, or both.
    • State caterer’s licensees who participate without the required Class C per diem license face a fine of $1,000 to $3,000, and/or suspension of the caterer’s license.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Baltimore City Board of License Commissioners, license holders (alcoholic beverage licenses), and State caterers operating in Baltimore City.
  • Secondary: Third-party event promoters seeking to organize related events around the Conclave; Visit Baltimore (for consent requirement); Baltimore City Department of Transportation (for special event permits).

Effective date and duration

  • Effective July 1, 2026.
  • Temporary, with a sunset/abrogation provision: remains in effect through December 31, 2027, after which the act terminates without further action required by the General Assembly.

Fiscal and practical impact

  • Local impact: Potentially modest increase in city revenues from application and permit fees if related events are issued.
  • Resource use: Baltimore City’s Board of License Commissioners can likely manage with existing resources for administration, monitoring, and enforcement.
  • Operational impact: Creates a regulated framework for large social events tied to a prominent convention, emphasizing permits, safety, and proper notice.

Notable context

  • This type of permit previously existed for events like the CIAA Basketball Tournament; the current bill extends and narrows a similar concept to the Kappa Alpha Psi Conclave.
  • The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 2027 Conclave is planned for Baltimore City in July 2027.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the prior related-event permit framework (e.g., CIAA) or outline potential compliance checklists for license holders and promoters.

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

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