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HB 1203

Garrett County - Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2026

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Hinebaugh

Garrett County would expand alcohol licensing options, adding a substitute license board member, a private Special Event Permit for wineries, broader off-site catering, and citizen

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 828
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Bill Summary · HB 1203

Overview

House Bill 1203 (Garrett County – Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2026) would make several local changes to alcoholic beverages governance and licensing in Garrett County. Key elements include adding a substitute member to the Garrett County Board of License Commissioners, creating a Special Event Permit for certain winery licensees, expanding catering-option allowances for various licenses, and requiring citizenship status information on license applications. The bill applies only in Garrett County and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Main purpose and intent

  • Enhance governance of Garrett County’s Alcoholic Beverages Board by adding a substitute member with full powers when serving.
  • Create a Special Event Permit enabling certain winery license holders to host private events with on-premises sales of their products.
  • Extend the catering option across multiple license classes to allow off-site, catered alcohol service within the county, subject to specific conditions (including food service and service personnel).
  • Require applicants for county licenses to disclose citizenship status or immigration compliance on license applications.

Key provisions and changes

  • Board composition (21–202):
    • Governor must appoint three regular members plus one substitute member.
    • Substitute may fill in for regular members in case of illness or conflict of interest and has full powers while serving.
  • Special Event Permit (21–405.1):
    • May be issued to Class 3 winery or Class 4 limited winery license holders.
    • Permits on-premises sale of beer, wine produced by the holder, sparkling wine, and liquor at private events held on rented premises.
    • Private events must be scheduled at least 7 days in advance.
    • Permit holder may provide food and beverage service, seating, and a compliant assembly area; may not have public access during the private event.
    • Requires purchases from a Garrett County licensed retailer; receipts kept for 1 year and available for inspection.
    • Staffing requirements: service personnel present at all times; at least one employee or permit holder certified in an approved alcohol awareness program.
    • Usage limited to 32 times per calendar year; private events may extend up to 7 days for the same client.
    • Hours: Monday–Saturday 6 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sunday sales allowed in specified districts or where permitted by referendum.
    • Fees: annual permit fee of $1,750; one-time issuing fee equal to the annual fee.
  • Expanded catering option (multiple license classes):
    • Class B beer, Class B beer and wine, Class BDR, Class BDR-DC, Class D, Class B beer, wine, and liquor, Class BDR (deluxe restaurant), and related deluxe licenses may offer a catering option to sell alcohol at catered events off premises within the county.
    • At catered events, licensees must provide food, service personnel, and at least one alcohol-awareness certified individual; hours and days must align with the underlying license.
    • Annual fees for catering option vary by license class (ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, with higher fees for deluxe and deluxe-complex licenses).
    • One-time issuing fee for new licenses equals the annual fee; boards may adopt implementing regulations.
  • Citizenship declaration (21–1408):
    • Applicants must indicate whether they are natural-born or naturalized citizens.
    • If not a U.S. citizen, applicants must show immigration status compliance and provide verification.
    • License remains valid only so long as a resident applicant remains in the state.

Who would be affected

  • Garrett County government and the Board of License Commissioners (新增 substitute member; potential adjustments to operations and budgeting).
  • Class 3 winery, Class 4 limited winery license holders (via the new Special Event Permit).
  • License holders with catering options across several license classes (expanded authority to cater within the county, off-site, with conditions).
  • Applicants for Garrett County alcoholic beverages licenses (citizenship/immigration disclosure requirement).

Timelines and fiscal impact

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Local fiscal note estimates:
    • Increased county expenditures of about $3,000 annually beginning in FY 2027 for the substitute board member.
    • County revenues may rise in 2027 from Special Event Permits, though actual amounts are uncertain.
  • State impact: None reported.

Additional context

  • The bill is designated to align with related cross-file SB 802.
  • It includes standard licensing fees and one-time issuing fees corresponding to new or expanded licenses.

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

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