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HB 1526

Carroll County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class 1 Distillery On-Premises Consumption Permit

2026 Regular Session

Maryland authorizes Carroll County distilleries to sell and serve spirits directly to consumers on-site, expanding local alcohol licensing and economic opportunity with unanimous House approval.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 836
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Bill Summary · HB 1526

Legislative bill overview

HB 1526 authorizes Carroll County to issue Class 1 Distillery On-Premises Consumption Permits, allowing distilleries to sell and serve spirits directly to consumers at their facilities. The bill passed the Maryland House with overwhelming bipartisan support (137-0) and underwent amendments during committee review before advancing to the Senate Finance Committee.

Why is this important

This legislation expands alcohol licensing options in Carroll County, potentially generating tax revenue and attracting craft distillery businesses to the region. It aligns with broader trends across states allowing on-premises consumption at distilleries, similar to existing brewery and winery models, though it represents a departure from traditional spirits distribution in Maryland.

Potential points of contention

  • Spirits vs. beer/wine distinction: Class 1 distillery permits may grant higher-alcohol products more liberal on-premises sales rights than existing beer and wine licenses, raising questions about regulatory consistency
  • Local control vs. state uniformity: Legislation specific to Carroll County creates a localized pilot program, which could face pushback from other counties seeking identical authority or concerns about unequal treatment
  • Liability and public health: On-premises consumption of spirits carries different safety considerations than beer/wine, requiring clarity on responsible vendor training, hour restrictions, and enforcement mechanisms

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

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