Licensing and retail permits laws by state
957 bills on licensing and retail permits in 49 jurisdictions, 307 of them enacted in 2025 and 2026. The laws come first, with what each requires, then the bills that moved most recently.
- 307 laws enacted in 2025 and 2026, in 41 states. Most: Maryland (96), Massachusetts (25), New York (15).
- 957 bills in 49 jurisdictions. Latest action 29 October 2026.
Updated 2 November 2026LawsRecent billsBy state
Enacted in 2025 and 2026
307 laws, by state. Laws enacted before 2025 are not listed.
Alabama
Enacted
HB 593: Small Craft Alcoholic Beverage Producers; licensing of small craft distilleries, small craft wineries, and small craft alcoholic beverage producers authorized
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board must issue licenses to brewpubs, small craft distilleries, and small craft wineries that meet specified qualifications and production limits. Brewpubs must not exceed 10,000 barrels annually; small craft distilleries must not exceed 50,000 gallons annually; small craft wineries must not exceed 50,000 gallons annually. All licensees must actively and continuously manufacture their products and comply with tax obligations.
Took effect 1 October 2026
Enacted
HB 408: City of Alabaster; entertainment districts authorized
The Alabaster City Council may establish not more than two entertainment districts by ordinance and must regulate their hours of operation. Retail licensees of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board in entertainment districts may obtain permits allowing patrons to carry open containers within the district. The ordinance must prohibit non-licensees from possessing alcoholic beverages acquired outside the district within it.
Took effect 1 June 2026
Enacted
SB 312: Alcoholic beverage licenses; to license storage of alcoholic beverages to dispense at special events, including government venues
Holders of certain special event licenses must obtain an event storage license to store alcoholic beverages at a permanent facility and transfer them to special event venues. Licensees must track all transfers on board-prescribed forms, maintain three-year records, and return unconsumed beverages to storage before transferring to another venue. Storage facilities must be secured, access-controlled, and temperature-controlled.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 316: ABC Board; establishing a new license for an educational tourism distillery
Suppliers of mixed spirit beverages must sell only through licensed wholesalers and grant each wholesaler a written distribution agreement with exclusive sales territory. Wholesalers must file monthly returns showing mixed spirit beverage receipts and sales. Educational tourism distillery licensees must produce at least 100,000 gallons annually, derive 50 percent of gross sales from on-site production, and pay taxes on manufactured liquor at ABC store rates.
Took effect 1 October 2025
Alaska
Enacted
HB 363: An Act relating to the sale of alcohol; relating to the sale or dispensing of alcoholic beverages by patriotic organizations; relating to club licenses; and providing for an effective date.
Patriotic organizations holding club licenses may sell alcoholic beverages to military personnel on active duty and to members of other patriotic organizations. Patriotic organizations holding nonprofit organization event permits may sell or dispense other alcoholic beverages in addition to brewed beverages or wine at events. All profits from such sales must be paid to the organization holding the permit, not to individuals.
Arizona
Enacted
SB 1478: liquor; policies; procedures
Producers of spirituous liquor must maintain detailed sales invoices and make them available to the department on request. Farm wineries, microbreweries, craft distillers, and direct shipment licensees must pay annual taxes on retail sales by the twentieth day of the first month following the tax year and file sworn returns showing sales amounts and taxes owed.
Enacted
SB 1467: liquor; consumption; watercraft
Holders of government licenses for dock and boat premises must ensure liquor is sold only with food, not served on docks, served only between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., limited to fifty ounces of beer, one liter of wine, or four ounces of distilled spirits per person per time, and boat pilots must have current coast guard operator's licenses or approved safety training.
Enacted
HB 2741: liquor sampling; reporting; requirements.
Liquor store and beer and wine store licensees with sampling privileges must keep open products locked when the sampling area is unstaffed, retain accurate records of sampling products dispensed, and report scheduled samplings to the department once every two weeks. Sampling is limited to three ounces of beer, one and one-half ounces of wine, or one ounce of distilled spirits per person per brand per day.
Enacted
HB 2905: craft producer; festival; fair; license
The director may issue craft producer festival licenses and craft producer fair licenses authorizing craft producers to sample and sell their products on festival or fair premises for on-site consumption and in original containers for off-premises consumption. Each craft producer may receive up to one hundred fifty calendar days annually of craft producer festival licenses.
Arkansas
Enacted
SB 523: To amend the law regarding alcoholic beverages; and to remove the requirement that a private club be a nonprofit organization.
Corporations, partnerships, individuals, and limited liability companies may apply for hotel, restaurant, or large-event facility private club permits without forming a nonprofit corporation. Applicants must meet facility size requirements: eighty lodging rooms and five thousand square feet of public space for hotels, ten thousand square feet for large-event facilities, or one hundred seat restaurant capacity. Only guests may consume alcoholic beverages at these facilities.
Enacted
HB 1898: To create the regulatory division and the regulatory enforcement division in the department of finance and administration; and to allow personnel of the regulatory enforcement division to be designated as agents.
Creates the Regulatory Division and Regulatory Enforcement Division within the Department of Finance and Administration to oversee tobacco, alcohol, medical marijuana, and gambling regulation, and designates Regulatory Enforcement Division personnel as full-time law enforcement officers with statewide authority.
Enacted
HB 1476: To amend the direct shipment of vinous liquor act; and to establish a wine direct shipper license.
Wine direct shippers must obtain a wine direct shipper license. Licensed wine direct shippers may ship up to twenty-four nine-liter cases of wine annually only to consumers in their territory.
Enacted
SB 564: To amend the definition of "beer" to change the allowable alcoholic content and to include malt beverages.
Brewers and distributors of beer must not manufacture, bring upon premises, or keep beer with alcoholic content exceeding ten percent by weight. Retailers must not sell, barter, furnish, or permit possession of beer exceeding ten percent alcohol by weight on licensed premises. The act redefines beer to include malt beverages up to ten percent alcohol by weight.
Enacted
SB 365: To amend the arkansas small brewery act to authorize the operation of three small brewery taprooms by a holder of a small brewery license.
A holder of a small brewery license may operate no more than three small brewery taprooms.
Enacted
SB 97: To authorize the issuance of additional retail liquor permits to certain existing holders of retail liquor permits.
A person, firm, or corporation holding one retail liquor permit may obtain up to two additional retail liquor permits, provided no more than one permit is held in the same county and additional permits are only issued in counties with a population of 200,000 or more persons according to the most recent decennial census.
Enacted
HB 1318: To amend the excursion train permit to include excursion boats.
An operator of an excursion boat may apply to the Director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division for a permit to sell and serve alcoholic beverages on an excursion boat operated in Arkansas. A permit holder must post a copy of the permit in each excursion boat where alcoholic beverages are sold and served. A permit holder may sell and serve alcoholic beverages only when the excursion boat is located in a territory that has authorized the sale of alcoholic beverages.
California
Enacted
AB 2663: Alcoholic beverages: retail on-sale license: off-sale privileges.
Holders of on-sale licenses for bona fide public eating places with off-sale privileges, and licensed beer, wine, or craft distillery manufacturers operating bona fide public eating places, may sell distilled spirits in manufacturer-prepackaged containers and non-prepackaged alcoholic beverages except beer for off-sale consumption if ordered online, by phone, or in person and picked up by the consumer with identification presented. Beverages must meet packaging, labeling, and warning requirements.
Enacted
AB 2751: Alcoholic beverages: imports: personal or household use: reasonable amounts.
Any adult entering the United States as a pedestrian or by a vehicle that is not a common carrier may bring no more than six liters of alcoholic beverages into California every 31 days for personal or household use. An adult may bring incidental amounts of alcoholic beverages into California from a hotel jointly located within California and Nevada jurisdictions for personal use.
Takes effect 1 January 2027
Enacted
AB 1982: On-sale general public premises: drink lids and drug testing devices.
Applicants for and holders of Type 48 on-sale general public premises licenses must offer drug testing devices for sale at a cost not exceeding a reasonable amount based on wholesale cost, provide drink lids upon request for a reasonable fee, and post one of two specified notices in a prominent location about availability of these items.
Takes effect 1 January 2027
Enacted
AB 1991: Alcoholic beverages: market research study: taste testing.
Licensed winegrowers, beer manufacturers, distilled spirits manufacturers, craft distillers, brandy manufacturers, rectifiers, and wine rectifiers may conduct taste testing of alcoholic beverages for bona fide market research measuring consumer perceptions of sensory characteristics, subject to conditions including: only responsible persons aged 21+ may administer testing, participants must be aged 21+, participants receive no more taste samples than reasonably necessary, monetary compensation cannot exceed $500 per participant, and the same person cannot participate in more than three taste tests per year.
Takes effect 1 January 2027
Enacted
AB 2731: Alcoholic beverage control: neighborhood-restricted on-sale general licenses.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control may issue no more than five new original neighborhood-restricted special on-sale general licenses per year to bona fide public eating places in specified Santa Cruz County census tracts until 12 total licenses are issued. Licensees must not hold or have held other on-sale licenses for the same premises within 12 months prior.
Takes effect 1 January 2027
Enacted
SB 917: Alcoholic beverages: certified farmers' market sales permit.
Licensed winegrowers conducting instructional tasting events at certified farmers' markets must ensure persons conducting such events complete RBS training. No more than three licensees may conduct instructional tasting events during any one certified farmers' market's operational hours. Wine poured per person per day cannot exceed three ounces.
Takes effect 1 January 2027
Enacted
AB 828: Alcoholic beverage control: neighborhood-restricted special on-sale general licenses.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control may issue no more than 12 new original neighborhood-restricted special on-sale general licenses per year to bona fide public eating places in specified Los Angeles census tracts until 40 total licenses are issued. Licensees must not sell or transfer licenses for more than the original fee paid and must not transfer licenses between counties or to other premises except within the same neighborhood or if premises are destroyed.
Enacted
AB 1008: Alcoholic beverages: licenses: County of San Luis Obispo.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control may issue up to 10 additional new original on-sale general licenses for bona fide public eating places in the County of San Luis Obispo, with no more than 5 licenses issued per year. Licenses issued under this section cannot be transferred out of the county or to non-qualifying premises, and cannot be sold or transferred for a price exceeding the original fee paid.
Enacted
AB 720: Beverages: alcohol permits: container labeling.
Beverage manufacturers must label beverage containers sold in California with redemption value messages by etching, embossing, printing, or affixing a stamp or label. Machine-readable codes must be at least one-half inch in size. Winegrowers may apply for estate tasting event permits to conduct tastings at adjacent or non-adjacent vineyard properties they own or control.
Enacted
AB 592: Business: retail food.
Restaurants may operate with open windows, folding doors, or nonfixed storefronts if they develop and submit an integrated pest management and food safety risk mitigation plan to the enforcement agency for approval, maintain the facility fully enclosed during nonoperating hours, and self-close upon observation of vermin activity. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control shall not issue new COVID-19 Temporary Catering Authorizations on or after January 1, 2027.
Enacted
SB 395: Alcoholic beverages: additional licenses: hospitality zone.
The local governing body of the City and County of San Francisco must adopt an ordinance designating a hospitality zone containing at least 1,000,000 square feet of retail shopping space, with specified findings and boundary information, and submit it to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The department may then issue up to 20 additional on-sale general licenses for bona fide public eating places within that zone, with issuance capped at 10 licenses in the first year and 5 per year thereafter, ending July 1, 2033.
Enacted
AB 1246: Alcoholic beverages: distilled spirits.
Licensed craft distillers and qualifying out-of-state distillers must hold a current distilled spirits direct shipper permit to directly ship distilled spirits to consumers, not exceeding 2.25 liters per day per consumer. Winegrowers may possess and transport brandy for aging on their premises. Licensed craft distillers may sell up to 4.5 liters of prepackaged spirits per day per consumer at their premises.
Enacted
AB 445: Alcoholic beverages.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control may issue up to 10 additional new original on-sale general licenses for bona fide public eating places in Colusa County. Licensees must not transfer these licenses out of the county or to non-qualifying premises, and must not sell or transfer them for more than the original fee paid. Beer manufacturers must file delivery records within 30 days and maintain three-year records of glassware provided.
Took effect 1 January 2026
Colorado
Enacted
SB 114: Spirituous Liquor Manufacturer Sales Rooms & Other Alcohol
Enacted
SB 25-033: Prohibit New Liquor-Licensed Drug Stores
State and local licensing authorities shall not issue any new liquor-licensed drugstore licenses on or after the effective date of this section. Existing liquor-licensed drugstore licensees are prohibited from merging, selling, transferring, converting, or changing the location of a liquor-licensed drugstore license, except that independent pharmacies holding licenses issued before January 1, 2025, may change location or transfer to another independent pharmacy.
Connecticut
Enacted
HB 5425: An act concerning railways and alcoholic liquor.
Holders of cafe permits must keep food available for sale to customers for consumption on premises during the majority of operating hours, with food from outside vendors deemed compliant. Cafe permit holders must comply with local health department regulations. Outside areas for alcoholic liquor service require prior Department of Consumer Protection approval and must comply with fire, zoning, and health regulations. Sales of draught beer in sealed containers are limited to four liters per person per day during package store hours.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 6854: An act concerning the department of consumer protection's recommendations regarding alcoholic liquor regulation.
Holders of manufacturer permits for farm wineries and wine, cider and mead must obtain signatures from persons age 21 or older before delivering wine directly to consumers, limit shipments to five gallons per two-month period per person, pay applicable taxes, and maintain records. Permittees must hold in-state transporter permits or use persons holding such permits for shipments.
Took effect 1 October 2025
Delaware
Enacted
HB 258: An act to amend title 4 of the delaware code relating to licenses for sale of alcoholic beverages.
A municipality with a population of 50,000 or more may promulgate ordinances establishing rules for the location of new establishments licensed to sell alcoholic liquor for off-premises consumption that are more restrictive than state law. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner must refuse to grant a license for any new establishment that does not comply with such municipal ordinances.
Enacted
HB 398: An act to amend title 4 the delaware code relating to the time of sales for on-premises consumption.
Holders of licenses for sale of alcoholic liquor for on-premises consumption must not sell between 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., except entities holding a license as a horse racetrack may sell until 2:00 a.m. Municipalities may not require earlier closing times for horse racetracks.
Enacted
SB 141: An act to amend title 4 of the delaware code relating to alcoholic liquors.
Wine auction and spirits auction license holders must collect and remit applicable excise taxes and gross receipt taxes for all auctioned products. No person may operate a wine auction or spirits auction without a license from the Commissioner. Products purchased at auction must not be stocked as inventory or made available for further retail sale in any licensed facility or store.
Enacted
HB 195: An act to amend title 4 of the delaware code relating to bartending.
A person must be 18 years of age or older to be involved in the sale, service, or preparation of alcoholic liquor. A person who is 18, 19, or 20 years old involved in preparation of alcoholic liquor must be directly supervised by a person 21 years or older working behind the bar. No person under 21 may work in any capacity in a tavern or taproom offering sexually oriented entertainment.
Enacted
SB 243: An act to amend title 4 of the delaware code relating to alcohol.
The Commissioner must establish rules regulating alcoholic beverage manufacture, sale, distribution, and importation, focusing on public safety and consumer interests without unduly restricting competition. Licensees must comply with hours of sale, prohibitions on sales to minors and intoxicated persons, and specific operational requirements for their license type.
Enacted
SB 185: An act to amend title 4 of the delaware code relating to alcoholic liquors sold for off-premise consumption.
Restaurants, brewpubs, taverns, taprooms, and other on-premise licensees may sell alcoholic liquors for off-premise consumption through take-out, curbside, drive-through, or delivery. Third-party delivery vendors must hold a third-party delivery license and cannot also hold an on-premise license. Off-premise sales must be in securely closed containers and limited per customer to 2 750 ML bottles of wine, 1 bottle of private label spirit from a Delaware licensed importer, 6 servings of beer, and mixed cocktails.
Enacted
HB 170: An act to amend title 4 of the delaware code relating to microbreweries.
A microbrewery licensed under § 512C may sell products it manufactures for off-premises consumption at its licensed premises and either at up to 2 brewery-pubs licensed under § 512B or at 1 additional microbrewery licensed under § 512C and 1 brewery-pub licensed under § 512B, provided all such establishments are owned or controlled by the same person.
District of Columbia
Enacted
B 26-0023: On-Premises and On-Site Extended Hours Program Amendment Act of 2025
Licensees operating under on-premises retailer's licenses, manufacturer's licenses with on-site sales and consumption permits, or temporary licenses must register with the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, pay a minimum registration fee of $100, and provide written notice no later than 3 calendar days before a cultural, sporting, or tourism-related event to extend hours of sales, service, and consumption until 4:00 a.m. and hours of operation to 24 hours daily.
Enacted
PR 26-0151: On-Premises and On-Site Extended Hours Program Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025
Declares an emergency to allow the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board to extend hours of operation, sales, service, and consumption of alcoholic beverages for cultural, sporting, or tourism-related events for registered licensees.
Florida
Enacted
HB 4055: City of Lake Wales, Polk County
Holders of alcoholic beverage vendor licenses with designated premises in the Lake Wales Arts, Culture and Entertainment District must allow patrons to remove open containers of alcoholic beverages from the licensed premises for consumption within the district, regardless of license class or type. Such vendors must comply with all other local ordinances, state alcoholic beverage laws, and division rules not inconsistent with this provision.
Enacted
HB 4031: City of Oviedo, Seminole County
The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco must issue special licenses or modify existing licenses for bona fide licensees operating within the Oviedo Arts and Entertainment District to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises in open containers that patrons may remove and consume within the district. Licensees must comply with all other Beverage Law requirements.
Enacted
HB 4053: Duval County
The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco may issue special alcoholic beverage licenses to event centers in the Urban Transition Area North of Park Street with occupancy between 1,100 and 1,400 people that derive no less than 51 percent of annual gross income from event center tickets and food and nonalcoholic beverages prepared and consumed on premises.
Enacted
HB 4067: Special Beverage Licenses for Equestrian Sport Facilities in Marion County
The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco may issue special beverage licenses to equestrian sport facilities in Marion County that are at least 500 acres and include at least two transient public lodging establishments and three public food service establishments. Licensed facilities may sell wine and malt beverages for off-premises consumption and all alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
Enacted
SB 578: Wine Containers
A person must not sell wine within Florida in an individual container holding more than 1 gallon, except that reusable containers holding 5.16 gallons or glass containers holding 4.5, 6, 9, 12, or 15 liters are permitted. Qualified distributors and manufacturers may sell wine to each other in any size container. Wine sold by licensed vendors for off-premises consumption must be in unopened original containers.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Hawaii
Enacted
HB 2475: Relating to labeling requirements.
No person shall use the words ʻōkolehao, okolehao, Hawaiian ʻōkolehao, or variations thereof, or Hawaiian imagery, place names, or motifs on a consumer package containing distilled spirit unless the spirit meets the statutory definition of ʻōkolehao. Any nonconsumer package of ʻōkolehao introduced into intrastate or interstate commerce must bear a label stating the product is Hawaiʻi-distilled ʻōkolehao made with Hawaiʻi-grown kī.
Enacted
SB 2835: Relating to liquor.
In counties with population between 100,000 and 200,000 residents, liquor commissions must waive hearings, fees, notarization, floor plans, and governmental clearances for class 10 special licenses. Commissions must allow electronic applications with electronic signatures, accept first and last names only, permit applications covering multiple adjacent parcels under single control, and prohibit conditioning licenses on visual renderings, fire clearances, or other departmental inspections.
Enacted
SB 100: Relating to intoxicating liquor.
County liquor commissions may request criminal history record checks of liquor license applicants. Officers and directors of publicly-traded companies need not comply. Officers, directors, or board members of nonprofit organizations in counties with populations under five hundred thousand shall not be fingerprinted.
Idaho
Enacted
H 799: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – Repeals existing law to remove obsolete provisions regarding the prohibition and sale of liquors and wines.
Repeals Idaho Code sections 23-103, 23-215, and 23-216 relating to prior offenses, price lists for alcoholic beverage sellers, and seller representatives, effective July 1, 2026.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
S 1258: LIQUOR – Amends existing law to authorize liquor licensure for a distillery in certain instances.
The director of the Idaho state police must issue licenses to owners, operators, or lessees of actual bona fide distilleries located on no less than five acres of agricultural zoned property in unincorporated Idaho. A distillery license authorizes sale of liquor explicitly from brands owned by the distillery. Officers, agents, and employees of distilleries are exempted from disqualification provisions.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
S 1301: BEER – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding sales by certain licensed brewers.
Licensed brewers producing fewer than 30,000 barrels annually may sell at retail at their main production brewery and up to two remote retail locations. Wholesalers must file written notice with the director designating the geographic territory where they will distribute beer, which cannot be changed without consent of both the brewer or dealer and wholesaler.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
H 330: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding movie theaters and the sale of beer and wine.
Movie theaters that held valid beer or wine licenses on January 1, 2006, or July 1, 2025, or other theaters or movie theaters built before January 1, 1950 and located in buildings on the national register of historic places may allow persons under twenty-one years of age to enter and remain on premises while beer or wine is sold for consumption, provided no obscene or indecent films are shown.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
H 276: BEER – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding brewers’ licenses.
Brewers, dealers, and wholesalers must apply to the director for a license and submit fingerprints and fees. Wholesalers must file written notice of geographic territory with the dealer or brewer. Licensed brewers producing fewer than 30,000 barrels annually may sell at retail at their brewery or one remote location.
Indiana
Enacted
HB 1052: Various administrative law matters.
Operators or individuals conducting sweepstakes games knowingly using the Internet in Indiana or involving Indiana residents must cease. Beer wholesalers may deliver beer to food manufacturers registered with the federal Food and Drug Administration for product integration. Wine retailers whose wine sales represent at least 60% of annual gross income may allow customer self-service for sealed wine bottles for off-premises consumption.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 185: Alcohol and tobacco matters.
Persons selling tobacco products or e-cigarettes at retail must obtain a valid tobacco sales certificate from the commission. Wholesalers must obtain a wholesale tobacco sales certificate. Manufacturers of e-liquid must obtain a permit. Retailers may not sell e-liquid products containing more than seventy-five milligrams per milliliter of nicotine. No person may manufacture, sell, or distribute foreign adversary products.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 5: Suspension of permit.
The alcohol and tobacco commission may suspend an alcoholic beverage retail permit without advance notice or hearing for up to five business days if certain crimes occur on the licensed premises and the permit holder failed to prevent the crime, multiple crimes occurred in twelve months, or continued operation poses clear and immediate danger to community safety.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 23: Alcoholic beverage permits for county fairs.
The alcohol and tobacco commission may issue permits to local boards to sell alcoholic beverages by the glass on county fair grounds. Holders of brewer's, beer retailer's, liquor retailer's, wine retailer's, farm winery, and artisan distiller's permits may participate in events sponsored by local boards on county fair grounds upon proper notice to the commission. Local boards must file applications with the commission including vendor names, permit numbers, event dates, and floor plans.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 89: Three-way permits.
The alcohol and tobacco commission may issue three-way permits to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption to proprietors of restaurants in specified municipalities and districts. Applicants must be proprietors of restaurants located within economic development areas, redevelopment areas, or transit development districts. Permits cost forty thousand dollars initially and revert to the commission if business operations cease for more than six months.
Enacted
HB 1053: Gaming and alcohol matters.
A person operating a lottery courier service must obtain written authorization from the state lottery commission or commit a Class A misdemeanor. Occupational license applicants and licensees must submit fingerprints to the state police department and Federal Bureau of Investigation for criminal history record checks. Veterinarians must furnish a horse's veterinary medical records and medical condition within five business days to the Indiana horse racing commission as part of an investigation without written client authorization.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1275: Alcohol and tobacco commission matters.
Distributors of taxable products must not sell, use, or distribute flavored nitrous oxide. Permit holders of retailers and craft manufacturers serving alcohol must maintain liquor liability insurance of at least five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) or face permit denial, suspension, or revocation. Retail establishments must not sell tobacco products to persons under twenty-one (21) years of age.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1276: Various alcoholic beverage matters.
Permittees locating restaurant or hotel patios or terraces in public rights-of-way must obtain written permission from the appropriate local or state agency. Holders of supplemental caterer's permits with limited tobacco certificates may obtain cigar event endorsements to sell cigars at age-restricted catered events. Permittees donating alcoholic beverages to qualified organization permittees must comply with specified restrictions including written records, separate storage, and return of unconsumed beverages.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1468: Alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
A holder of a tobacco sales certificate may obtain a supplemental cigar sales certificate by paying one thousand dollars for a three-year term. The holder must provide written notice to the commission at least five days before selling cigars at a function or event. A restaurant permittee holding an alcoholic beverage retailer's permit may establish a segregated room for cigar consumption with local government permission.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Iowa
Enacted
HF 2780: A bill for an act relating to alcoholic beverage control by providing for certificates of compliance and the issuance of class “A” wine permits to nonnative wine manufacturers, permitting cities to create social districts for the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and providing fees.
Manufacturers, distillers, importers, and vendors of alcoholic liquors must obtain and annually renew a certificate of compliance for two hundred dollars before shipping or selling into Iowa. Nonnative wine manufacturers may obtain class A wine permits without Iowa residency. Cities may adopt ordinances designating social districts where persons may possess and consume alcoholic beverages on public streets in marked containers from participating retail licensees.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HF 470: A bill for an act relating to alcoholic beverages, including license authorizations, bond requirements, and fee determinations, and including effective date and applicability provisions.
Persons holding retail alcohol licenses must comply with requirements for mixed drinks or cocktails not for immediate consumption, including storage limits of no longer than seventy-two hours, labeled containers not exceeding three gallons, and record-keeping for three years. Licensees must destroy expired cocktails and cannot reuse labels or add expired product to new containers.
Kentucky
Enacted
SB 145: AN ACT relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and declaring an emergency.
Caterers holding appropriate licenses may transport, sell, serve, and deliver alcoholic beverages by the drink at locations away from licensed premises or at designated banquet halls, subject to minimum food receipt percentages varying by territory (10% to 70%). The department shall not impose minimum customer requirements or limits on the number of events a caterer may conduct.
Enacted
HB 618: AN ACT relating to alcoholic beverages.
Holders of limited restaurant licenses, NQ2 retail drink licenses, quota retail drink licenses, and NQ4 retail malt beverage drink licenses may purchase alcoholic beverages by the package from retail licensees only if those beverages have first gone through the three-tier system, with monthly purchase limits of nine liters of distilled spirits, nine liters of wine, and three cases of malt beverages, and must report quarterly with purchase receipts.
Louisiana
Enacted
HB 1018: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE PERMT: Provides relative to limitations on the issuance of certain alcoholic beverage permits
Amends provisions limiting issuance of certain alcoholic beverage permits by exempting licensed premises in the Shreveport Downtown Development District, Bossier City, and premises purchased by existing permit holders if not in violation of law.
Enacted
HB 1029: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE PERMT: Provides relative to limitations on the issuance of certain alcoholic beverage permits
Enacted
HB 1077: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Provides relative to microbrewery sales at special events
A holder of a microbrewer's permit and a Class A permit is authorized to sell manufactured beverages at special events through not more than twelve permits issued in accordance with LAC Title 55, Part VII, Subpart 1 §323(B), if such permit is issued in the same name as the microbrewer's permit.
Enacted
HB 1053: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Provides relative to the definitions of a "dealer" and a "retail dealer"
A business offering alcoholic beverages on a complimentary basis must bear all costs exclusively, purchase from licensed retailers, maintain records for two years, and comply with all state and local taxes. The business must not allow manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers to subsidize costs, must not advertise complimentary service, must not operate a bar structure, must limit service to two servings per person per day in disposable drinkware, and must not serve persons under twenty-one or visibly intoxicated persons.
Enacted
HB 1251: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Provides relative to manufacturing distillers (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG RV See Note)
In-state manufacturing distillers that distill less than one hundred gallons must obtain a permit from the commissioner before engaging in the business of manufacturing, supplying, or dealing in alcoholic beverages and must pay a fee of one hundred dollars for each year the permit is valid.
Enacted
HB 481: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE PERMT: Provides relative to limitations on the issuance of certain alcoholic beverage permits
Enacted
HB 113: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Provides relative to the sale of alcoholic beverages in Washington Parish
The governing authorities of Washington Parish and any municipality within Washington Parish may regulate the sale or consumption of high or low alcohol content beverages in Washington Parish, but shall not prohibit such sale or consumption.
Enacted
HB 212: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Provides relative to container sizes for beverages of high alcohol content
Maine
Enacted
LD 2155: An Act To Clarify Certain Laws Governing Licenses For The Sale Of Liquor By Manufacturers
Persons or entities holding majority ownership interest in one manufacturing licensee may hold no less than majority ownership interest in up to 12 on-premises retail licensees licensed under chapter 43. Persons holding majority ownership in at least 2 manufacturing licensees collectively manufacturing at least 1,000 barrels per year may hold no less than majority ownership in up to 12 on-premises retail licensees. Licensees issued licenses on or before May 23, 2025 are exempt from these ownership restrictions.
Enacted
LD 631: An Act To Allow A Home Distiller To Distill And Share Homemade Spirituous Liquor
This committee amendment removes the provision allowing home distillers to ship homemade spirituous liquor to family members and friends, limiting the sharing of such products.
Enacted
LD 494: An Act To Update And Clarify Certain Provisions Of State Liquor And Lottery Laws
Beginning January 1, 2026, licensees and license applicants may not receive cash or gift cards in any amount from persons engaged in liquor manufacture, distribution, wholesale sale, storage, or transportation. Wholesale licensees and certificate of approval holders may enter into written advertising and sponsorship agreements with venue licensees under specified conditions including written agreements, reporting to the bureau, and safeguards preventing product exclusion.
Maryland
Enacted
HB 1101: Worcester County - Alcoholic Beverages - Temporary To-Go Event Permit and Class C Per Diem Municipal To-Go Beer, Wine, and Liquor License
The Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County may issue temporary to-go event permits to holders of Class B or Class D licenses located within or immediately adjacent to special event areas designated by Class C per diem municipal to-go licenses. The Board must adopt regulations governing permit issuance, special event area designation, hours of sale, age verification, to-go cup specifications, and public hearing requirements.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 1203: Garrett County - Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2026
Holders of Class 3 winery or Class 4 limited winery licenses may obtain a special event permit to sell beer, wine, sparkling wine, and liquor at private events. Permit holders must notify the Board 7 days before events, supply service personnel at all times, keep purchase receipts for 1 year, and limit permit use to 32 times annually. Applicants for alcoholic beverages licenses must disclose citizenship status or immigration compliance.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 121: Baltimore County - Alcoholic Beverages - Sale for Off-Premises Consumption
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore County must adopt regulations authorizing off-premises sale of alcoholic beverages before this section applies. Class B and Class D license holders may obtain a permit to sell mixed drinks or cocktails in sealed containers for off-premises consumption only with prepared food, to purchasers age 21 or older with valid identification, and only before 11 p.m.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 1286: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Barbershop and Beauty Salon License
A holder of a barbershop and beauty salon license in Anne Arundel County may provide not more than 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine by the glass, or 1.7 ounces of liquor for on-premises consumption to customers during barbering or cosmetology services or fund-raising events, but not later than 9 p.m. during normal business hours.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 1425: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Revisions
Holders of Class A beer and light wine licenses or Class A beer, wine, and liquor licenses must present to the Board by March 30 annually a certificate from the Director of Finance showing all personal property taxes due to Baltimore City or the State are paid.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 1474: Baltimore County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Transfers and Conversions
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore County may approve transfers of Class B or Class D licenses from eligible transferor districts to other election districts between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2028, subject to limits of five total licenses and two per receiving district. The Board shall convert transferred Class D licenses to Class B licenses.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 1526: Carroll County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class 1 Distillery On-Premises Consumption Permit
The Board of License Commissioners for Carroll County may issue a Class 1 distillery on-site consumption permit to holders of a Class 1 distillery license. Permit holders must comply with alcohol awareness requirements under section 4-505, abide by applicable trade practice restrictions, obtain Carroll County Health Department approval for food and nonalcoholic beverage service, and use no more than 7,750 gallons annually of self-produced liquor for mixed drinks.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 348: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - License Extension
Extends the expiration date of a racetrack license for premises at 5200 Park Heights Avenue in Baltimore City until July 1, 2029, to allow completion of ownership transfer, renewal, and renovations. The extension expires July 31, 2029.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 406: Prince George's County - Alcoholic Beverages - Multiple Licenses Prohibition - Exceptions PG 313-26
Adds Class B (on-sale) beer and wine licenses and Class B (on-sale) beer, wine, and liquor licenses to the exceptions allowing multiple licenses for the same person or premises in Prince George's County. Effective July 1, 2026.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 443: Prince George's County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class B-SEC (Small Event Center) License PG 312-26
The Board of License Commissioners for Prince George's County may issue Class B-SEC licenses to small event centers meeting specified requirements: kitchen and dining facilities accommodating 75 to 125 individuals, minimum capital investment or appraised value of $350,000 to $500,000 for facilities and equipment, and food available during event hours. The Board may issue no more than 24 licenses per license year and no more than 3 licenses per state legislative district at any one time.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 456: Howard County - Alcoholic Beverages - Gift Basket Permit Ho. Co. 2-26
A gift basket permit holder whose primary business is selling and delivering flowers may sell and deliver gift baskets containing up to 72 ounces of beer, 2.25 liters of wine, or 2.25 liters of liquor to consumers of legal drinking age. The permit holder or employee must verify the recipient is at least 21 years old and the deliverer must be at least 21 years old. Annual alcoholic beverage sales may not exceed 10% of annual gross sales.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 519: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Entertainment Permits
License holders in Anne Arundel County seeking to provide entertainment beyond piped-in background music or one television screen must obtain a permit from the Board. Permit holders must comply with restrictions on entertainment types and, if entertainment occurs outside, must maintain at least 100 feet distance from residentially zoned property.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 522: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Class C Per Diem License Fees
The Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County must alter the license fee structure for Class C per diem beer, beer and wine, and beer, wine, and liquor licenses. For events with fewer than 500 individuals, fees are $25 per day for beer or beer and wine licenses and $50 per day for beer, wine, and liquor licenses. For events with 500 or more individuals, fees are $25 per point of sale location per day for beer or beer and wine licenses and $50 per point of sale location per day for beer, wine, and liquor licenses.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 558: Prince George's County - Alcoholic Beverages - Wine Festival Licenses PG 316-26
The Board of License Commissioners for Prince George's County may issue wine festival licenses to holders of retail licenses, Class 3 winery licenses, or Class 4 limited winery licenses. License holders must display and sell wine manufactured and processed in any state and distributed in Maryland during designated hours and days. The Board must choose locations not in the 24th Legislative District and ensure the primary focus is promotion of Maryland wine.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 583: Prince George’s County – Alcoholic Beverages – Notice of Issuance of Class C Per Diem Beer, Wine, and Liquor License PG 319–26
When the Board of License Commissioners for Prince George's County issues a Class C per diem beer, wine, and liquor license, the Board shall provide notice of the event to the County Police Chief, County Fire Chief, Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement, and if applicable, the chief administrative officer of the municipality where the event is held. The notice shall include the time, place, and expected size of the event.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 664: Cecil County - Alcoholic Beverages - Alteration of License Quota
The Board of License Commissioners for Cecil County may not issue Class A alcoholic beverages licenses exceeding 1 for every 2,000 registered voters or major fraction in the county, except the Board must issue not fewer than 2 Class A licenses in each election district. The quota applies separately to each election district.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 682: Anne Arundel County – Alcoholic Beverages – Golf Course License and Sports Activity Venue Licenses
The Board may issue a Class C GC license to golf courses with at least nine holes authorizing sale of beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. The Board may issue sports activity venue licenses to owners or operators of commercial recreational facilities authorizing sale of beer and wine or beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption, with license holders required to maintain food items, certify employees in alcohol awareness training, and implement written policies monitoring service to active participants.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 727: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class C (Veterans' Organization) Licenses - Membership
The Board shall issue a Class C (veterans' organization) license to a local unit of a nationwide nonprofit organization or club composed only of members who served in the Uniformed Services, with a national charter granted before application, at least 100 members paying at least $5 annual dues, and a clubhouse principally for members. The license authorizes retail sale of beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption by members and guests.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 754: Wicomico County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class B (Golf Course) License - Hours of Sale
A holder of a Class B beer, wine, and liquor (golf course) license in Wicomico County may sell beer, wine, and liquor for consumption on golf course land and buildings from 7 A.M. to 2 A.M. the following day Monday through Saturday, and from 7 A.M. to midnight on Sunday.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 874: Anne Arundel County - Board of License Commissioners - Alterations
The Governor shall appoint five members to the Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County from a list of individuals recommended by the county's House and Senate delegations, with advice and consent of the Senate. Board members must be county residents and voters of high character and integrity. No more than three members may belong to the same political party, and no more than two may reside in the same state legislative district. The Board shall adopt and publish a written policy on conflicts of interest and member recusal.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 914: Worcester County - Board of License Commissioners - Membership
The Governor shall appoint five members to the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County, subject to advice and consent of the Senate. Each member must be a resident and voter of the county and an individual of high character and integrity with recognized business capacity. Member terms are four years and staggered.
Took effect 1 June 2026
Enacted
HB 991: Harford County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class HC (Health Club) License - Hours of Sale
Holders of a Class HC (health club) beer and wine license in Harford County may sell beer and wine for on-premises consumption from 1 p.m. to 11 P.M. The Board may issue either a 6-day license (Monday through Saturday) or a 7-day license (Monday through Sunday) to persons operating health club facilities with specified amenities and membership requirements.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 998: Baltimore City – Alcoholic Beverages – 46th Alcoholic Beverages District
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City must establish a standard template for memoranda of understanding between alcoholic beverage license applicants and neighborhood associations by January 1, 2027. The Board may issue Class 7 micro-brewery licenses to Class B-D-7 license holders in the 46th district with Ridgely's Delight Association support and may authorize Class B-D-7 license transfers from the 40th to 46th district.
Took effect 1 June 2026
Enacted
HB 999: Alcoholic Beverages - Class 9 Limited Distillery License - Alteration
Holders of a Class 9 limited distillery license may manufacture, rectify, or bottle more than one brand of alcoholic beverage and may manufacture or rectify up to 31,000 gallons each calendar year of product for any other brand or entity. Holders must not distill, rectify, bottle, or sell more than 100,000 gallons of brandy, rum, whiskey, alcohol, and neutral spirits each calendar year.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 398: Anne Arundel County - Board of License Commissioners - Alterations
The Governor shall appoint five members to the Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County from a list of individuals recommended by the county's House and Senate delegations. Board members must be county residents and voters of high character, integrity, and recognized business capacity. No more than three members may belong to the same political party, and no more than two may reside in the same state legislative district. The Board shall adopt and publish a written policy addressing conflicts of interest and member recusal.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 400: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Entertainment Permits
License holders in Anne Arundel County seeking to provide entertainment must obtain permits from the Board. A Background Entertainment permit authorizes recorded or piped-in background music and multiple televisions. A General Entertainment permit authorizes live music with not more than four musicians, karaoke, and disc jockey music, but if outside entertainment occurs, the area must be at least 100 feet from residentially zoned property. A Full Entertainment permit authorizes a permanent dance floor, stage area, floor shows, and other legal entertainment forms, with the same 100-foot setback requirement for outside entertainment.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 414: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Consumption-Only Nonprofit Swim Club License
The Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County may issue a consumption-only nonprofit swim club license to a nonprofit swim club. The license holder must provide notice to the Board at least 10 days prior to a designated event where alcohol will be consumed. The license authorizes consumption of beer, wine, and liquor up to 5 days per year in a designated area from 2 P.M. to 10 P.M.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 441: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Golf Course License and Sports Activity Venue Licenses
The Board may issue a Class C GC license authorizing golf course holders to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption at golf courses with at least nine holes. The Board may issue sports activity venue licenses authorizing owners or operators of commercial recreational facilities to sell beer and wine or beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption. Sports activity venue license holders must maintain prepared food, require alcohol-certified employees, implement written service policies, and obtain crowd control training if occupant load exceeds 50 persons.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 442: Anne Arundel County - Population Ratio Quota for Class A (Off-Sale) and Class D (Off-Sale) Licenses - Exemption
The Board may not issue a Class A (off-sale) or Class D (off-sale) license in Anne Arundel County if the ratio of off-sale licenses per individual in the assessment district exceeds one for every 3,500 individuals, except for transfers or renewals of licenses issued on or before July 1, 2025, applications in the 6th tax assessment district, brewery on-site consumption permits, or applications filed on or after January 1, 2023 and approved before July 1, 2025.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 636: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Revisions
Holders of Class A beer and light wine licenses or Class A beer, wine, and liquor licenses must present to the Board by March 30 annually a certificate from the Director of Finance showing all personal property taxes due to Baltimore City or the State are paid. The deadline for paying supplementary fees to exercise Sunday sales privileges between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is removed.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 642: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - 46th Alcoholic Beverages District
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City may authorize transfer of a Class B-D-7 license from the 700 block of Washington Boulevard in the 40th alcoholic beverages district to the 200 block of South High Street in the 46th district. A licensed establishment on the south side of the unit block of West Pratt Street may allow consumption of alcoholic beverages donated by a manufacturer or wholesaler at nonprofit-rented events if the licensee provides nonprofit status evidence, serves the alcohol, remits taxes, and keeps alcohol only under a single rental contract.
Took effect 1 June 2026
Enacted
SB 684: Harford County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class HC (Health Club) License - Hours of Sale
Holders of a Class HC (health club) beer and wine license in Harford County may sell beer and wine for on-premises consumption from 1 p.m. to 11 P.M. The Board may issue 6-day or 7-day licenses to persons selling health club services with specified facilities and membership requirements.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 700: Wicomico County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class B (Golf Course) License - Hours of Sale
Holders of a Class B beer, wine, and liquor (golf course) license in Wicomico County may sell alcoholic beverages on Monday through Saturday from 7 A.M. to 2 a.m. the following day, and on Sunday from 7 A.M. to midnight. Sales are limited to consumption on golf course land and buildings used for golfing purposes.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 802: Garrett County - Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2026
Holders of Class 3 winery or Class 4 limited winery licenses with special event permits must notify the Board at least 7 days before events, supply service personnel including bartenders and wait staff present at all times, keep purchase receipts for 1 year, and purchase beer and liquor from licensed county retailers. Local caterers must ensure food sales represent at least 70% of total event cost and supply service personnel present throughout catered events.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 803: Alcoholic Beverages - Class 3 Wineries and Class 4 Limited Wineries - Alterations
Holders of Class 4 limited winery licenses must report all pomace brandy distilled and bottled as a distilled spirit in accordance with Title 5 of the Tax-General Article. Holders of Class 3 winery licenses may acquire bulk wine from Class 4 limited winery license holders. Holders of Class 4 limited winery licenses may sell and deliver bulk wine to Class 3 winery license holders.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 807: Alcoholic Beverages - Class 8 Farm Brewery Licenses
Holders of Class 8 farm brewery licenses and Class 10 farm distillery licenses must engage in agritourism by exposing the public to farming and value-added farming practices. Distilled spirits must be manufactured with Maryland agricultural products produced on the licensed farm. Class 10 farm distillery license holders may not distill, rectify, bottle, or sell more than 100,000 gallons annually.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 852: Anne Arundel County – Alcoholic Beverages – Barbershop and Beauty Salon License
A holder of a barbershop and beauty salon license in Anne Arundel County may provide alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption: not more than 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine by the glass, or 1.7 ounces of liquor per customer visit during barbering or cosmetology services or fund-raising events, served during normal business hours but not later than 9 p.m.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 897: Cecil County - Alcoholic Beverages - Alteration of License Quota
The Board of License Commissioners for Cecil County may not issue a number of Class A alcoholic beverages licenses that in the aggregate exceeds 1 for every 1,200 registered voters or major fraction in the county. The quota applies only to Class A licenses and is computed separately for each election district.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 927: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - Related Event Promoter's Permit
A related event promoter or participating license holder must obtain a permit from the Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City at least 30 days before conducting a related event. Applicants must obtain written consent from a Visit Baltimore designee, submit a notarized application signed by each participating license holder, and obtain a special event permit if required. State caterer's license holders must obtain a Class C per diem license before participating.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
SB 972: Baltimore City - 40th Alcoholic Beverages District - Authorizations and Revisions
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City must issue Class B beer, wine, and liquor licenses for restaurants at specified locations in the 40th alcoholic beverages district upon satisfaction of conditions including memoranda of understanding with community associations and waiver of minimum seating requirements. License holders in designated areas of the 40th district must not begin alcoholic beverage sales before 10 a.m. or end after 10 p.m.
Took effect 1 July 2026
Enacted
HB 20: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - Related Event Promoter's Permit
A related event promoter or participating license holder must obtain a related event promoter's permit from the Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City at least 30 days before the related event, including written consent from a designee of Visit Baltimore and a special event permit from the Baltimore City Department of Transportation if required. A holder of a State caterer's license must obtain a Class C per diem license before acting as a participating license holder at a related event.
Enacted
HB 1026: Frederick County - Alcoholic Beverages - Tasting Permits
Holders of Class A licenses in Frederick County may obtain a beer and wine tasting permit or a beer, wine, and liquor tasting permit from the Board. Permit holders must limit individuals to tasting no more than 12 ounces of beer, 6 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor. Permit holders must not allow open containers to leave licensed premises or serve from drive-through windows.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1095: Montgomery County - Alcoholic Beverages - Beauty Salon and Barbershop License MC 3-25
Holders of a beauty salon or barbershop permit in Montgomery County may obtain a license to provide beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption. License holders must not provide more than 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.7 ounces of liquor per customer during cosmetology or barbering services or fund-raising events, and must not serve after 9 p.m. License holders must comply with alcohol awareness training requirements.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1145: Baltimore County - Alcoholic Beverages - Waiting Period After License Denial
In Baltimore County, if a license application for alcoholic beverages is denied, another application for the same location may not be made for 1 year after the denial. If a license application for a location is denied twice, a license may not be issued for that location for 2 years after the second denial.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1172: Baltimore City – Alcoholic Beverages – Authorizations and Revisions
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City must impose a fee of not more than $250 for expedited processing of per diem license applications submitted less than 2 weeks before the scheduled event. The Board must adopt regulations for Class C per diem license applications, including denial or revocation procedures and limits on licenses issued to one person for the same location within a calendar year. License holders in specified areas of the 40th alcoholic beverages district must not sell alcoholic beverages before 10 a.m. or after 10 p.m.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1174: Montgomery County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class BD-BWL Licenses - Multiple Licenses MC 18-25
A holder of a Class BD-BWL license may hold up to two such licenses instead of one. If a person holds a second Class BD-BWL license, that second license authorizes sale of beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption, and only private-label products manufactured exclusively for the holder for off-premises consumption.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1238: Somerset County - Alcoholic Beverages - Liquor Tasting License
The Board of License Commissioners for Somerset County may issue a liquor tasting license to holders of a Class A beer, wine, and liquor license. License holders may allow consumption of liquor for tasting only if the holder is authorized to sell the liquor and the consumer is not charged. Individuals may consume not more than one-half ounce from each offering and not more than five offerings in one day.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1259: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - License and Permit Distance Requirements
The Board of Liquor Commissioners for Anne Arundel County may issue a dancing permit to holders of Class H licenses for premises within 1,000 feet of a school located at the Annapolis Mall. The Board may issue new Class B beer and wine or beer, wine, and liquor licenses for establishments within 1,000 feet of a school located at the Annapolis Mall.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1281: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Limited Special Event Permit
The Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County may issue a limited cultural event permit to holders of Class B, BLX, C, D, or H alcoholic beverages licenses, authorizing them to provide cultural music, cultural dancing, and other legal forms of cultural entertainment for one day on a specific date stated in the permit application. The Board may require applicants to provide information on the planned cultural event, including the date and type of cultural entertainment.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1335: Caroline County - Alcoholic Beverages - Special Event Venue License and Multiple Event Licenses
The Board of License Commissioners for Caroline County must issue rural special event venue beer, wine, and liquor licenses to owners of venues zoned as rural special event venues. Holders of multiple event licenses and rural special event venue licenses may store alcoholic beverages on licensed premises between events only in locked, secured locations and must maintain complete inventory records for 2 years.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1387: Howard County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class D Licenses - Delivery
Holders of Class A or Class D licenses and their employees may deliver alcoholic beverages only within Howard County. Deliverers must be at least 21 years old. At delivery, both parties must endorse an approved form certifying the recipient claimed to be at least 21 with documentary evidence, knew it is criminal to give alcohol to those under 21, and the deliverer examined identification. Purchasers or a designated person at least 21 must be physically present and pay at time of order.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1494: Howard County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class MT (Movie Theater) License
The Board of License Commissioners for Howard County may issue a Class MT (movie theater) beer, wine, and liquor license to the owner of a movie theater that holds a crowd control training certification. The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor at retail for on-premises consumption by patrons who have purchased a ticket to a current or future movie showing.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 346: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - 43rd Alcoholic Beverages District - Class B-D-7 Licenses
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City may issue Class B-D-7 beer, wine, and liquor licenses in three specified locations in the 43rd alcoholic beverages district if applicants meet criteria including that average daily receipts from non-package goods sales are at least 51% of total daily receipts, applicants execute memoranda of understanding with the Greater Remington Improvement Association, and applicants do not create separate package goods departments.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 472: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - 45th Alcoholic Beverages District - Licenses
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City may issue a Class C beer, wine, and liquor license in the 400 block of East Oliver Street in the 45th alcoholic beverages district only if the applicant does not convert the license to a different class, serves alcoholic beverages outdoors only to seated patrons or in a courtyard, prohibits off-premises sales, begins sales no earlier than 10 a.m., and executes a memorandum of understanding with the Greenmount West Community Association.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 476: St. Mary's County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class A License Quota
The Board may not issue more than one Class A alcoholic beverages license for every 1,350 individuals in St. Mary's County election districts other than the 8th, or for every 4,000 individuals in the 8th election district. The Board may not approve transfers of such licenses between election districts if the transfer would exceed these quotas.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 512: Frederick County - Barbershop and Beauty Salon Beer and Wine License - Alterations
Holders of barbershop beer and wine licenses in Frederick County must provide no more than 6.5 ounces of wine by the glass or 12 ounces of beer for on-premises consumption to customers receiving barbershop services or attending fund-raising events. Holders of beauty salon beer and wine licenses must provide no more than 6.5 ounces of wine by the glass or 12 ounces of beer for on-premises consumption to customers receiving cosmetology services or attending fund-raising events. Both license holders may provide beer and wine only during normal business hours but not later than 9 p.m.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 515: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Veterans' Organizations
The Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County must issue Class C (veterans' organization) licenses to local units of nationwide nonprofit veterans' organizations meeting specified criteria. Holders of Class C beer, wine, and liquor licenses qualifying as veterans' organizations may convert to Class C (veterans' organization) licenses. The Board may provide application and administrative fee discounts to qualifying veterans' organizations.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 564: Dorchester County - Alcoholic Beverages - Venue Beer, Wine, and Liquor License
The Board of License Commissioners for Dorchester County may issue a venue beer, wine, and liquor license to nonprofit or for-profit retail businesses hosting events at venues of at least 2,000 square feet that accommodate at least 100 individuals and have adequate bathrooms. License holders may sell or serve beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption only during events where food is provided and may not allow individuals to carry beverages onto or off the premises.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 567: Dorchester County - Alcoholic Beverages - Arts Beer and Wine License
The Board of License Commissioners for Dorchester County may issue an arts beer and wine license to nonprofit or for-profit retail businesses primarily devoted to art that display and sell original artwork in an approved arts and entertainment district. License holders may sell or serve beer and wine for on-premises consumption when snacks are served, Monday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. The license may not be transferred to another location.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 569: Dorchester County - Alcoholic Beverages - Beer, Wine, and Liquor Tasting License
Holders of a Class A license in Dorchester County who obtain a beer, wine, and liquor tasting license may conduct tastings of only those alcoholic beverages they are authorized to sell. Individuals may consume no more than 0.5 ounces per liquor offering and 1.5 ounces total per day. License holders must notify the Board in writing at least 7 days before each tasting event and properly dispose of opened containers at day's end.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 571: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class C Licenses - Events
An outside group hosting an event at a Class C (veterans' organization) licensed premises must obtain a Class C per diem beer, wine, and liquor license from the Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County. Holders of Class C (veterans' organization) licenses may sell alcoholic beverages during events to individuals attending, including non-members, with an event permit.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 574: St. Mary's County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Multiple Licensing Plans
The Board of License Commissioners for St. Mary's County may issue not more than three Class B beer, wine, and liquor restaurant licenses to a person for separate premises, with only one authorizing off-premises alcohol sales. A person may not have direct or indirect interest in more than three such licenses, or more than one if it authorizes off-premises consumption.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 655: Wicomico County - Alcoholic Beverages - Temporary To-Go Event Permit and Class C Per Diem Municipal To-Go Beer, Wine, and Liquor License
The Board of License Commissioners for Wicomico County may issue a temporary to-go event permit to holders of Class B beer, wine, and liquor licenses located within or immediately adjacent to special event areas. The Board may issue a Class C per diem municipal to-go beer, wine, and liquor license to municipalities. The Board must adopt regulations for both permits.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 685: Garrett County Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2025
The Board of License Commissioners for Garrett County must adopt regulations for multiple new alcoholic beverage license classes including deluxe complex restaurant licenses, resort complex licenses, and festival licenses. The Board must hold hearings and publish notice at least 7 days before for certain festival license applications. Applicants must submit applications on Board-provided forms.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 712: Harford County - Alcoholic Beverages - Multiple Licenses - Golf Simulator Facilities
The Board of License Commissioners for Harford County may issue one Class GSF (golf simulator facility) license to a holder of one or more Class B licenses. A Class GSF license counts toward the maximum of nine Class B licenses that may be issued to the same person.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 714: Harford County - Alcoholic Beverages - Performing Arts Nonprofit Organization License - Record-Keeping Requirements
A holder of a performing arts nonprofit organization beer, wine, and liquor license in Harford County must keep complete and accurate records of all alcoholic beverages sold, served, and purchased. Upon written request of the Board or Executive Director, the license holder must report information relating to those beverages on the required form and under oath if requested. Records must be kept at the designated location, preserved for at least 2 years, and made available for audit or inspection during regular business hours.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 715: Harford County - Alcoholic Beverages - Alteration of License Quota
The Board of License Commissioners for Harford County may not issue more than one Class A, Class A-1, or Class A-2 off-sale alcoholic beverages license for every 4,750 individuals in the county as specified by the Maryland Department of Health. The Board may not issue new licenses of a class if that class exceeds its quota unless existing licenses are reduced by revocation or surrender.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 746: Baltimore County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Transfers
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore County may approve transfers of Class B or Class D licenses existing on June 1, 2025, from eligible transferor districts to other election districts between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2028, subject to limits of five total transfers and two transfers per receiving district. The Board must deny transfers if the license holder owns the property and has not demonstrated appropriate future use or if transfer causes significant negative economic impact.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 754: Harford County - Alcoholic Beverages - Hearing Notice
The Board of License Commissioners for Harford County must publish notice of license applications two times in two successive weeks either in one newspaper of general circulation or online at least 14 days before the hearing. For new licenses or upgrades, the Board must post a conspicuous exterior sign at least 12 by 18 inches for 20 days before the hearing. The Board must publish its decision in a newspaper or online.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 784: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Alterations
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City must require a memorandum of understanding between a licensee and a community association within a bounded area in the 46th alcoholic beverages district before issuing or transferring an alcoholic beverages license. The Board may waive food sale requirements for certain restaurants and may extend license expiration dates for specific transfer purposes.
Took effect 1 June 2025
Enacted
HB 835: Charles County - Alcoholic Beverages - Baseball Stadium License - Alterations
License holders of Class B-Stadium beer, wine, and liquor licenses in Charles County must serve beer, wine, and liquor in plastic, paper, or other nonglass containers on stadium premises, except in enclosed dining areas where glass containers are permitted. Patrons may consume and carry beer, wine, and liquor anywhere on stadium premises excluding parking areas.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 866: Frederick County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class C (Theater) Beer, Wine, and Liquor License
The Board of License Commissioners for Frederick County may issue a Class C (theater) beer, wine, and liquor license to theaters with seating. The license holder may sell beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption from 1 hour before to 1 hour after regular performances, fund-raiser performances benefiting the theater, or events hosted by outside groups that have rented the theater.
Took effect 1 June 2025
Enacted
HB 987: Baltimore County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class B-OB-CRD (Office Building - Commercial Revitalization District) Beer, Wine, and Liquor License
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore County may issue no more than one Class B-OB-CRD beer, wine, and liquor license, only to a restaurant in the Towson Commercial Revitalization District located in an office building of at least 100,000 square feet with BM-D.T. zoning and at least 100 feet from a place of worship. Bar seating may not exceed 25% of total premises seating.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 99: Anne Arundel County - Class A (Off-Sale) and Class D (Off-Sale) Licenses - Population Ratio Quota
The Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County may not issue a Class A (off-sale) or Class D (off-sale) license if the establishment is located in an assessment district where the ratio of off-sale licenses per individual already exceeds one for every 4,000 individuals, or if issuance would cause that ratio to be exceeded. The Board may not approve transfers of such licenses to locations outside their original assessment district.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 1013: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - License Extension
Extends the expiration date of a Class B-D-7 alcoholic beverages license for a premises on the 5700 block of Falls Road in Baltimore City until July 1, 2026, to allow completion of ownership transfer and renewal at that location.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 1036: Howard County – Alcoholic Beverages – Class D Licenses – Delivery Ho. Co. 21–25
Holders of Class A or Class D licenses and their employees may deliver alcoholic beverages only within Howard County. Deliverers and recipients must endorse an approved delivery form certifying the recipient is at least 21 years old with documentary evidence, knew it is criminal to give alcohol to those under 21, and had identification examined. Purchasers or a designated individual at least 21 years old must be physically present at delivery and pay at time of order.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 17: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Veterans' Organizations
Holders of a Class C beer, wine, and liquor license in Anne Arundel County that qualify as a veterans' organization may convert to a Class C (veterans' organization) license, which carries an annual fee of $300. Holders of Class C (veterans' organization) licenses may sell beer, wine, and liquor Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day without obtaining a separate Sunday license.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 284: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - Hours of Operation Violations - Civil Penalties
Holders of alcoholic beverages licenses in Baltimore City must not operate licensed premises outside specified hours of operation without first obtaining an exemption from the Board under Section 12-2007.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 304: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - 45th Alcoholic Beverages District - Licenses
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City may issue a Class C beer, wine, and liquor license in the 400 block of East Oliver Street in the 45th alcoholic beverages district only if the applicant does not convert the license to a different class, serves alcoholic beverages outdoors only to seated patrons or those in a courtyard, prohibits off-premises sales, begins sales no earlier than 10 a.m., and executes a memorandum of understanding with the Greenmount West Community Association.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 571: Anne Arundel County - Class A (Off-Sale) and Class D (Off-Sale) Licenses - Population Ratio Quota
The Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County may not issue a Class A (off-sale) or Class D (off-sale) license if the establishment is located in an assessment district where the ratio of off-sale licenses per individual exceeds one for every 3,500 individuals, or if issuance would cause such a ratio to be exceeded. The Board may not approve transfers of these licenses outside their original assessment districts.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 636: Frederick County - Alcoholic Beverages - Tasting Permits
Holders of Class A licenses in Frederick County may obtain a beer and wine tasting permit or a beer, wine, and liquor tasting permit from the Board. Permit holders must limit individuals to tasting 12 ounces of beer, 6 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor. Permit holders must prevent open containers from leaving licensed premises and may not serve from drive-through windows.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 662: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Alterations
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City must require applicants for alcoholic beverages licenses in the area bounded by South Eden Street on the west, Bank Street on the north, South Spring Street on the east, and Eastern Avenue on the south to enter into a memorandum of understanding with a community association before issuing or transferring a license.
Took effect 1 June 2025
Enacted
SB 731: Charles County - Alcoholic Beverages - Baseball Stadium License - Alterations
The license holder of a Class B–Stadium beer, wine, and liquor license in Charles County must serve beer, wine, and liquor in plastic, paper, or other nonglass containers on stadium premises, except in enclosed dining areas where glass containers may be used. Patrons may consume and carry beer and wine anywhere on stadium premises excluding parking areas, but liquor consumption is restricted to enclosed dining areas or bars.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 738: Frederick County – Barbershop and Beauty Salon Beer and Wine License – Alterations
Holders of barbershop beer and wine licenses in Frederick County must provide no more than 6.5 ounces of wine by the glass or 12 ounces of beer for on-premises consumption to barbershop customers. Holders of beauty salon beer and wine licenses must provide no more than 6.5 ounces of wine by the glass or 12 ounces of beer for on-premises consumption to beauty salon customers. Both license holders may provide beverages only during normal business hours but not later than 9 p.m.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 744: Harford County – Alcoholic Beverages – Hearing Notice
The Board of License Commissioners for Harford County must publish notice of proposed regulatory changes at least 2 consecutive weeks before public hearings in either a newspaper of general circulation or online. Before holding license application hearings, the Board must publish notice twice in 2 successive weeks in a newspaper or online at least 14 days before the hearing, post a conspicuous exterior sign for 20 days, and publish its decision in a newspaper or online.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 745: Harford County - Alcoholic Beverages - Performing Arts Nonprofit Organization License - Record-Keeping Requirements
The holder of a performing arts nonprofit organization license in Harford County must keep complete and accurate records of all alcoholic beverages sold, served, and purchased, preserve records for at least 2 years, and report on written request of the Board or Executive Director.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 746: Harford County - Alcoholic Beverages - Multiple Licenses - Golf Simulator Facilities
The Board of License Commissioners for Harford County may issue one Class GSF (golf simulator facility) license to a holder of one or more Class B licenses. A Class GSF license counts toward the maximum of nine Class B licenses that may be issued to the same person.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 788: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - 43rd Alcoholic Beverages District - Class B-D-7 Licenses
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City may issue Class B-D-7 beer, wine, and liquor licenses in three specified locations in the 43rd alcoholic beverages district if applicants meet criteria: average daily receipts from non-package goods sales are at least 51% of total daily receipts, applicants execute memoranda of understanding with the Greater Remington Improvement Association, and applicants do not create separate package goods departments.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 800: Dorchester County – Alcoholic Beverages – Arts Beer and Wine License
The Board of License Commissioners for Dorchester County may issue an arts beer and wine license to nonprofit or for-profit retail businesses that display and sell original artwork in an approved arts and entertainment district. License holders may sell or serve beer and wine for on-premises consumption when snacks are served, Monday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. The Board may not issue licenses to businesses selling commercially prepared or mass-produced artistic products.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 802: Dorchester County - Alcoholic Beverages - Venue Beer, Wine, and Liquor License
The Board of License Commissioners for Dorchester County may issue a venue beer, wine, and liquor license to a nonprofit or for-profit retail business that hosts events at a venue meeting specified criteria. License holders may sell or serve beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption only during events where food is provided and must prohibit individuals from carrying beverages onto or off the licensed premises.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 826: Garrett County Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2025
The Board of License Commissioners for Garrett County must issue beer and wine licenses, beer, wine, and liquor licenses, and resort complex licenses to qualifying restaurants and resort complexes meeting specified seating and capital investment requirements. The Board must hold hearings and publish notice at least 7 days before hearings for festival license applications. Applicants must submit applications on Board-provided forms.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 888: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - License and Permit Distance Requirements
The Board of Liquor Commissioners for Anne Arundel County may issue a dancing permit to holders of Class H beer and wine or beer, wine, and liquor on-sale licenses whose premises are within 1,000 feet of a school located at the Annapolis Mall. The Board may issue new Class B beer and wine or beer, wine, and liquor on-sale licenses for establishments within 1,000 feet of a school located at the Annapolis Mall.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 910: Caroline County - Alcoholic Beverages - Special Event Venue License and Multiple Event Licenses
Holders of a rural special event venue beer, wine, and liquor license or multiple event license must store alcoholic beverages in a locked and secured location between events, keep complete and accurate records of all beverages purchased and sold for two years on premises, and complete pre- and post-inventory for each event.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
SB 939: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - Authorizations and Revisions
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore City must impose a fee of not more than $250 for expedited processing of per diem license applications submitted less than 2 weeks before the scheduled event. The Board must adopt regulations for Class C per diem licenses authorizing denial, revocation, or limiting licenses issued to a person for the same location within a calendar year. License holders in specified areas of the 40th alcoholic beverages district must not sell alcoholic beverages before 10 a.m. or after 10 p.m.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Enacted
HB 1141: Baltimore County - Alcoholic Beverages - Change of Location
The Board of License Commissioners for Baltimore County may approve a change of location for an alcoholic beverages license issued under section 13-1404 if the license holder has engaged in an active alcoholic beverages business for at least 1 year, or if the license was originally issued within the same election district and has been at the same location for at least 10 years.
Enacted
SB 1039: Alcoholic Beverages - Class 5 Breweries - On-Premises Consumption
Holders of a Class 5 brewery license with a Class D beer license or equivalent license may sell beer brewed at locations other than the Class 5 brewery for on-premises consumption, provided the number of barrels sold does not exceed the greater of 35% of total barrels sold for on-premises consumption in that calendar year or 1.2% of total finished production.
Took effect 1 July 2025
Massachusetts
Enacted
H 5347: An Act authorizing the town of Bourne to grant an additional license for the sale of alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the Town of Bourne may grant one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises to Sea State Foods, LLC, d/b/a Cataumet Fish, at 1360 Route 28A, Cataumet. The license is subject to all chapter 138 except section 17. The license cannot be transferred to another location.
Enacted
H 5546: An Act authorizing the town of Southborough to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the town of Southborough may grant one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises to Costco Atlantic Liquors, Inc., d/b/a Costco Liquors, at 21 Coslin Drive. The license cannot be transferred to another location but may be granted to a new applicant at the same location if the applicant provides letters from the department of revenue and department of unemployment assistance.
Enacted
H 5097: An Act authorizing the city of Salem to convert seasonal licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises to annual licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the city of Salem may convert one seasonal license for Amazing Pizza LLC at 62 Wharf Street to an annual license for wine, malt beverages and cordials, and may convert one seasonal license for Maitland Farm LLC at 84 Derby Street to an annual license for all alcoholic beverages. Licenses cannot be transferred to other locations but may be granted to new applicants at the same location if they provide letters from the department of revenue and department of unemployment assistance.
Enacted
H 5351: An Act authorizing charity alcohol auctions
Local licensing authorities in cities and towns that vote to authorize alcoholic beverage sales must grant temporary licenses to nonprofit charitable corporations organized under chapter 180 for on-premises sales not exceeding 10 consecutive calendar days, with no more than 2 licenses per calendar year, with all proceeds used for charitable purposes.
Enacted
S 2526: An Act authorizing the town of Topsfield to convert 4 licenses for sale of wine and malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises to 4 licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises and to prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages in the containers less than 200 milliliters
Holders of licenses granted by the select board of the town of Topsfield for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises must not sell, offer for sale, or otherwise distribute alcoholic beverages in containers less than 200 milliliters.
Enacted
H 5344: An Act removing the seating capacity requirements of licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Belmont
Restaurants holding licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Belmont may have any number of seats. The act removes previous seating capacity requirements that had specified minimum and maximum seat counts under prior legislation.
Enacted
H 5548: An Act authorizing the town of Weston to grant an additional license for sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the town of Weston may grant one additional license for sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises to Weston Breakfast, LLC at 31 Center Street. The license shall only be exercised in the dining room of a common victualler and other areas deemed reasonable by the licensing authority. The license cannot be transferred to another location.
Enacted
H 4813: An Act authorizing the town of Milton to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the town of Milton may grant 5 additional licenses for sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on premises to establishments in specified economic development zones. Licenses must be marked with their zone designation and may only be exercised in dining rooms or public areas deemed appropriate by the licensing authority. Licenses cannot be transferred outside their initial zone.
Enacted
S 2628: An Act providing for alcoholic beverage licenses in the town of Bolton
Enacted
H 4359: An Act authorizing the town of Milford to convert a license for the sale of wine and malt beverages into a license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be consumed on the premises
Enacted
H 5098: An Act authorizing the city of Salem to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises upon the return of the license authorized in chapter 67 of the acts of 2008
The licensing authority of Salem must grant an additional license for sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on premises to Gulu-Gulu Cafe at 247 Essex Street, subject to chapter 138 except section 17. The current licensee must return its existing wine, malt beverage, cordials and liqueurs licenses upon issuance of the new license.
Enacted
H 5096: An Act relative to extending the timeframe within which the town of Southbridge may grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises
Enacted
H 5478: An Act authorizing municipalities to opt-in to a temporary pilot to extend the hours of liquor licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts in summer 2026
Local licensing authorities in cities and towns may allow licensed establishments to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption in designated districts and to sell on-premises for one additional hour until 3:00 a.m., both only from June 8, 2026 until July 31, 2026. Licensed establishments may not sell alcohol types beyond those permitted in their existing licenses.
Enacted
H 4006: An Act authorizing the town of Dartmouth to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the town of Dartmouth may grant one additional license for sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises to Lofberg Market Place, LLC, d/b/a Farm and Coast Market at 7-9 Bridge Street. The licensee must return its existing wine and malt beverages license upon issuance of the new license.
Enacted
H 4817: An Act authorizing the town of Pembroke to grant one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the town of Pembroke may grant one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises to South Shore Market and Deli at 256 Church Street. The license must be issued within 3 years of the act's effective date and is subject to all provisions of chapter 138 except section 17.
Enacted
H 4272: An Act authorizing the town of Hudson to grant 1 additional license for the sale of wine and malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the town of Hudson may grant one additional license for the sale of wine and malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises to Hudson Hives LLC at 45 Main Street, Suite 203. The license cannot be transferred to another location but may be granted to a new applicant at the same location if they provide letters from the department of revenue and department of unemployment assistance.
Enacted
H 4815: An Act authorizing the select board of the town of Arlington to place upon a town ballot a question to increase the number of licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises
Authorizes the select board of Arlington to place a ballot question at the 2026 town election asking voters whether to approve 2 additional licenses for off-premises alcoholic beverage sales, which may be issued if a majority votes yes.
Enacted
H 4814: An Act authorizing the town of Westwood to reissue licenses for the sale of wine and malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises and grant licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the town of Westwood may grant licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises to food stores with at least 20,000 square feet of retail floor area that carry specified food items. Licenses cannot be transferred to other locations but may be granted to new applicants if they provide letters from the department of revenue and department of unemployment assistance confirming good standing and payment of applicable taxes and fees.
Enacted
H 4657: An Act authorizing the town of Scituate to issue four additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the town of Scituate must convert two seasonal licenses to annual licenses for Salt Marsh Winery and Split Rock Scituate, and may grant two additional licenses for establishments in specified economic development zones. All licenses must be exercised only in dining rooms and must be issued within three years of the act's effective date.
Enacted
H 4287: An Act authorizing the city known as the town of West Springfield to grant 4 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the town of West Springfield must grant 4 additional licenses for off-premises sale of all alcoholic beverages to specified businesses at designated locations. Licenses must be issued within 1 year of the act's effective date. Upon issuance of the license to KKK&P LLC, that licensee must return its existing wine and malt beverages license to the licensing authority.
Enacted
H 4282: An Act authorizing the town of Palmer to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages
The licensing authority of the town of Palmer may grant 5 additional licenses for sale of all alcoholic beverages: 3 for on-premises consumption and 2 for off-premises sale at specified locations. Licenses must be issued within 1 year of the act's effective date. Licensees must provide letters from the department of revenue and department of unemployment assistance showing good standing before transferring to a new applicant.
Enacted
H 4276: An Act re-authorizing the town of Swansea to issue additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the town of Swansea may grant up to 6 additional licenses for sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on premises within the Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area. Licenses must be marked with the redevelopment area designation and cannot be sold or transferred by licensees. All licenses must be issued not later than 3 years after the act's effective date.
Enacted
H 4273: An Act authorizing the town of Maynard to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the town of Maynard must grant one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises to Maynard Corner Store LLC d/b/a Maynard Corner Store at 49 Walnut street. The licensee must return its existing wine and malt beverages license to the licensing authority upon issuance of the new license.
Enacted
H 360: An Act relative to certain licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the city of Holyoke
Amends chapter 301 of the acts of 2014 to allocate one license for all alcoholic beverages and two licenses for wines and malt beverages to be drunk on premises in the TOD West area of Holyoke, defined by specific street boundaries.
Enacted
H 3893: An Act authorizing the town of Lexington to grant ten additional licenses for the sale of wine and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises
The licensing authority of the town of Lexington may grant 10 additional licenses for the sale of wine and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises: 1 each to Pinot's Palette, Galaray House Art Gallery, Lexington Venue Theater, and Fable Brewing at specified locations, and 6 to establishments in designated overlay districts. Licenses must be exercised only in dining rooms and approved public areas. Licenses granted under this act shall be issued within 3 years of the effective date.
Bills that moved most recently
The 25 open licensing and retail permits bills with the latest action. The Alcohol and Beverage Tracker follows all 957.
New Jersey A 5739: Authorizes temporary waiver of ABC winery license fees.
In committee
Massachusetts S 3234: An Act authorizing the town of Millbury to grant additional liquor licenses
What it would do: Authorizes the town of Millbury to grant 6 additional all-alcoholic restaurant/club licenses for on-premises consumption: 2 licenses anywhere in town and 4 licenses specifically at the Shoppes at Blackstone Valley, 70 Worcester Providence Turnpike, subject to restrictions on transfer and renewal conditions.
Passed chamber
Massachusetts S 3261: An Act authorizing the city of Greenfield to grant an additional liquor license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises
What it would do: Authorizes the city of Greenfield to grant one additional license to Bear's Den and Gleason Ventures LLC at 5 Bank Row for sale of all alcoholic beverages to be consumed on premises, subject to restrictions on location transfer and conditions specified in the statute.
Passed chamber
New Hampshire SB 669: relative to on-premises licenses for licensed barbershops and salons.
What it would do: Creates two tiers of on-premises alcohol licenses for barbershops and salons: tier 1 allows free service ($100 fee) and tier 2 allows sales ($480 fee), each limited to one drink per customer per appointment. Requires the liquor commission to submit annual reports on license applications, grants, denials, inspections, and violations.
Passed chamber
New Jersey A 1662: Permits certain winery license holders to sell wine produced by other winery licensees under certain circumstances; establishes supplemental wine production facility license.
What it would do: Permits plenary and farm winery license holders to sell wine produced by other winery licensees and establishes a supplemental wine production facility sublicense allowing winery licensees to produce wine at additional owned or leased facilities for $750.
Passed committee
Pennsylvania HB 559: An Act amending the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, further providing for Office of Administrative Law Judge; in Pennsylvania liquor stores, further providing for sales by Pennsylvania liquor stores; in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for license districts, license period and hearings, for issuance, transfer or extension of hotel, restaurant and club liquor licenses, for wine and spirits auction permits, for ready-to-drink cocktail permits, for malt and brewed beverages manufacturers', distributors' and importing distributors' licenses, for malt and brewed beverages retail licenses, for limiting number of retail licenses to be issued in each county and for renewal of licenses and temporary provisions for licensees in armed service, providing for failure to maintain minimum requirements for licensure and further providing for revocation and suspension of licenses and fines, for applicants to provide State tax identification numbers and statement of State tax status, waiver of confidentiality of information in the possession of the Department of Revenue and other departments and review of State tax status and for rights of municipalities preserved; and imposing penalties.
What it would do: Amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to define 'previously unlicensed location' as a location never holding a retail, distributor, or importing distributor license, or one unused for such purposes for at least three years, and replaces references to 'new' locations with this definition throughout licensing provisions for hotels, restaurants, clubs, and malt beverage retailers.
Passed chamber
Massachusetts H 5343: An Act authorizing the town of South Hadley to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages
What it would do: Authorizes the town of South Hadley licensing authority to grant 4 additional on-premises and 2 additional off-premises alcoholic beverage licenses to establishments in four designated economic development zones, subject to conditions and restrictions on transfer and renewal.
Passed chamber
Massachusetts H 5673: An Act to increase the number of all alcohol licenses for restaurants in the town of Arlington
In committee
Massachusetts H 5481: An Act authorizing the town of Wayland to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises
In committee
Massachusetts H 5583: An Act authorizing the town of Webster to grant a license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises
In committee
Massachusetts H 5602: An Act authorizing the town of Ludlow to grant an additional all alcohol license for on premises consumption
In committee
Massachusetts H 5605: An Act relative to liquor license extensions in the town of Hanover
In committee
Massachusetts H 5656: An Act relative to a liquor license in the town of Avon
In committee
Massachusetts H 5659: An Act authorizing the town of Rutland to grant one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk off the premises
In committee
Massachusetts H 5691: An Act further extending the time for issuing certain licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Hanover
What it would do: Extends the deadline for issuing certain licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Hanover from 2026 to 2029.
Passed committee
New York A 10416: Makes major revisions to provisions of the alcoholic beverage control law relating to the issuance of licenses and hours of operation
What it would do: Amends New York's alcoholic beverage control law to expand licensing and operational flexibility, including allowing special permits for early morning sales, permitting multiple off-premises licenses per person, relaxing distance restrictions in certain counties with owner consent, and extending temporary retail permit periods from thirty to ninety days.
In committee
Pennsylvania HB 2809: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in trade and commerce, providing for the offense of unlicensed sale of liquor; and making a repeal.
What it would do: Adds criminal penalties for unlicensed liquor sales under Pennsylvania law, including fines of $1,000-$5,000 for first offense, $5,000-$10,000 and up to one year imprisonment for second offense, and $10,000-$25,000 and up to two years imprisonment for third or subsequent offenses within five years. Authorizes municipal law enforcement to enforce unlicensed liquor sales violations.
In committee
New Jersey A 4666: Permits certain for-profit movie theaters to sell alcoholic beverages under specified conditions.*
What it would do: Permits municipalities to issue plenary retail consumption licenses to for-profit movie theaters to sell alcoholic beverages during the two hours before and during scheduled motion picture exhibitions, with an initial fee of $210,000 or negotiated lower fee if 10 percent of beverages are from craft producers.
Passed chamber
New Jersey S 4551: Removes plenary retail distribution license limit for certain stores.
What it would do: Removes the two-license limit for plenary retail distribution licenses held by a single person when used in qualifying retail food stores or liquor stores, allowing up to four licenses starting 25 months after enactment and six licenses starting 73 months after enactment, with exemptions for urban food desert locations.
In committee
New York S 4575: Makes major revisions to provisions of the alcoholic beverage control law relating to the issuance of licenses and hours of operation
What it would do: Revises New York's alcoholic beverage control law to allow special permits for morning hours until 8 a.m., permit multiple off-premises licenses, expand permissible ancillary sales, allow licenses near schools with owner consent, and modify distance restrictions in counties with populations between 1.6 and 1.7 million.
In committee
Massachusetts H 5346: An Act authorizing the City of Westfield to convert a seasonal license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk off premises to an annual license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk off premises
What it would do: Authorizes Westfield's licensing authority to convert SHIVA LAXMI INC's seasonal off-premises alcoholic beverage license to an annual license at 54 Pleasant Street, subject to chapter 138 except sections 17 and 17B, and requires return of the wine and malt beverages license upon issuance.
Passed chamber
Pennsylvania SB 1448: An Act amending the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code, in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for limiting number of retail licenses to be issued in each county.
What it would do: Amends the Liquor Code to restrict intermunicipal transfer of restaurant and eating place retail dispenser licenses by prohibiting transfer from the receiving municipality for five years after operational status, except one transfer to a new municipality is permitted if ownership remains unchanged.
In committee
Michigan SB 1146: Liquor: licenses; issuance of resort licenses; modify. Amends sec. 531 of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1531).
In committee
Michigan HB 6278: Liquor: licenses; issuance of special licenses; modify. Amends 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1101 - 436.2303) by adding sec. 528.
What it would do: Requires special license applicants to submit applications to the commission at least 45 days before the desired license date, with commission approval required within 10 days of that date. Allows authorized individuals to sign applications and permits electronic submission within 12 months of the law's effective date.
In committee
Massachusetts S 2532: An Act authorizing the town of Walpole to grant up to 2 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises
What it would do: Authorizes the town of Walpole's licensing authority to grant 2 additional non-transferable licenses for off-premises sale of all alcoholic beverages to establishments in the Central Business District, subject to Chapter 138 of the General Laws except Section 17.
Passed chamber
Licensing and retail permits laws, state by state
- Maryland129 bills, 96 enacted
- Massachusetts123 bills, 25 enacted
- New York82 bills, 15 enacted
- New Jersey71 bills, 6 enacted
- Oklahoma30 bills, 9 enacted
- Texas28 bills, 7 enacted
- Pennsylvania27 bills, 2 enacted
- West Virginia26 bills
- Mississippi25 bills, 5 enacted
- Michigan22 bills, 4 enacted
- Montana19 bills, 7 enacted
- Virginia19 bills, 7 enacted
- California18 bills, 13 enacted
- Connecticut18 bills, 2 enacted
- Florida18 bills, 5 enacted
- Indiana18 bills, 9 enacted
- Rhode Island18 bills, 8 enacted
- Iowa17 bills, 2 enacted
- Hawaii15 bills, 3 enacted
- Kentucky15 bills, 2 enacted
- South Carolina15 bills
- Minnesota14 bills, 1 enacted
- Louisiana13 bills, 8 enacted
- New Hampshire13 bills, 8 enacted
- Washington13 bills, 7 enacted
- Missouri11 bills, 1 enacted
- Tennessee11 bills, 6 enacted
- Arkansas10 bills, 7 enacted
- Nebraska10 bills, 3 enacted
- Arizona9 bills, 4 enacted
- Delaware9 bills, 7 enacted
- Maine9 bills, 6 enacted
- Alabama8 bills, 4 enacted
- Idaho8 bills, 5 enacted
- Colorado7 bills, 2 enacted
- Georgia7 bills
- Illinois6 bills
- North Carolina6 bills, 1 enacted
- Oregon6 bills, 1 enacted
- South Dakota6 bills, 2 enacted
- Kansas5 bills
- Vermont4 bills
- Wisconsin4 bills
- Alaska3 bills, 1 enacted
- North Dakota3 bills, 2 enacted
- New Mexico3 bills, 1 enacted
- Ohio3 bills
- District of Columbia2 bills, 2 enacted
- Nevada1 bill, 1 enacted
Questions
Which states have licensing and retail permits laws?
States that enacted licensing and retail permits laws in 2025 and 2026: Maryland (96), Massachusetts (25), New York (15), California (13), Indiana (9), Oklahoma (9), Louisiana (8), New Hampshire (8), Rhode Island (8), Arkansas (7), Delaware (7), Montana (7), Texas (7), Virginia (7), Washington (7), Maine (6), New Jersey (6), Tennessee (6), Florida (5), Idaho (5), Mississippi (5), Alabama (4), Arizona (4), Michigan (4), Hawaii (3), Nebraska (3), Colorado (2), Connecticut (2), District of Columbia (2), Iowa (2), Kentucky (2), North Dakota (2), Pennsylvania (2), South Dakota (2), Alaska (1), Minnesota (1), Missouri (1), Nevada (1), New Mexico (1), North Carolina (1) and Oregon (1). Laws enacted before 2025 are not listed here.
Which states have the most licensing and retail permits bills?
Maryland (129), Massachusetts (123), New York (82), New Jersey (71) and Oklahoma (30). In all, 957 bills in 49 jurisdictions, the latest action on 29 October 2026.
What do licensing and retail permits bills cover?
Manufacturer, retail and on-premises licences and permits, licence quotas and transfers, hours and days of sale, local option, and where alcohol may be sold or served. Each enacted law above has a line on what it requires.
Is this legal advice?
No. Which bills count as licensing and retail permits bills, and the line on what each law requires or each bill would do, are drafted by software and not reviewed by an attorney. Every bill links to the legislature’s own record: read the text before relying on it. The list covers bills from the 2025 and 2026 sessions.
Follow licensing and retail permits bills in every state
The Alcohol and Beverage Tracker sends the bills that moved and a monthly report you can forward to a client.