Source: https://ecode360.com/10154488
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 08:35:09+00:00

Document:
§ 11-3 Administration by Board of Liquor License Commissioners.
§ 11-4 Beer and light wine licenses.
§ 11-5 Beer, wine and liquor licenses.
§ 11-7 Special and temporary licenses.
§ 11-8 General provisions on issue of licenses.
§ 11-9 License application filing requirements.
§ 11-10 Procedure for issuance of licenses.
§ 11-11 General procedures for renewal of licenses.
§ 11-12 Rights and duties of license holders.
§ 11-13 Restrictions upon license holders.
§ 11-14 Revocation and suspension of licenses.
§ 11-15 Violations and penalties.
§ 11-16 Bottle club restrictions; drive-through sales.
§ 11-17-1.1 Alcoholic Beverages Inspector.
§ 11-17-1.4 Commission, profit, or remuneration prohibited.
§ 11-17-1.5 Inspections; beverages as evidence.
§ 11-19 Supplemental municipal regulation.
§ 11-20 Conflict with other regulations.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Talbot County Alcoholic Beverages Ordinance."
A commercial enterprise licensed or seeking a license to engage primarily in the retail sale of packaged alcoholic beverages with such beverages occupying at least 75% of the sales area.
A commercial enterprise and limited food service facility licensed or seeking a license to engage in both the sale of packaged alcoholic beverages for consumption off-premises and craft beer and wine for consumption on-premises at the same location with light food service and seating for no more than 40 people. An alcohol dispensary bistro shall not include pharmacies, chain or franchise supermarkets, and establishments that sell, or are affiliated with the sale of, gasoline and other petroleum-based products to motorists.
A limited food service facility, not to exceed 20 seats, located in a marina that regularly prepares and serves full meals, which may include a sandwich menu.
A retail grocery or food store doing business at multiple locations under a common name regardless of the form or system of ownership.
A small-scale retail store, less than 8,000 square feet, located to serve highway or neighborhood demand for light food service, sandwiches, or snack foods for immediate consumption or carry out, having a limited selection of grocery items, over-the-counter medicines, cosmetics, and household supplies, licensed or seeking a license to offer limited beer and light wine items occupying not more than 25% of the sales area. Convenience stores do not include locations that dispense petroleum products for motor vehicles.
Beer produced by independently-owned breweries in small-batches.
A lodging place offering overnight sleeping accommodations, with at least 25 bedrooms, having a food service facility that regularly prepares and serves meals on the premises where alcoholic beverages are to be sold.
A food service facility with capacity to seat at least 20 persons, counting any outdoor seating, regularly serving at least two meals per day, which may include a sandwich menu, that maintains a kitchen staffed for serving food that opens within one hour after the facility opens and remains in continuous operation until at least two hours before alcoholic beverages are no longer served.
A retail grocery or food store that contains a sales area of not less than 16,900 square feet in which at least 80% of the sales area is devoted to the retail sale of food and food-related products.
A qualified business organization operating as a nonprofit or charitable organization under Maryland law, or that has been determined to be an exempt organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that is 1) housed within a building; 2) has a minimum seating capacity of 100 persons; and 3) regularly presents live entertainment as part of its schedule.
The County Council declares that the purpose of this chapter is to regulate the retail sale of alcoholic beverages within Talbot County, pursuant to the authority granted in § 18-101 of Article 2B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The regulations, provisions, restrictions and penalties contained in this chapter are for the protection, health, welfare and safety of the citizens of Talbot County.
This chapter shall be administered and enforced by the Talbot County Board of Liquor License Commissioners (the "Board"). The Board may adopt such written rules and regulations as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, subject to the approval of the County Council. Chapter 60, Ethics, Code of, Talbot County Code, shall apply to members of the Board.
General provisions. A Class A beer and light wine license shall be issued only to alcohol dispensaries, supermarkets, and convenience stores, and shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell beer and light wine, at retail, in any quantity to any consumers, at the place described in the license, in a sealed package or container, which package or container may not be opened nor its contents consumed on the premises where sold. Notwithstanding the limitation on the issuance of a Class A license to alcohol dispensaries, supermarkets, and convenience stores set forth above, any holder of a Class A license, lawfully issued and validly existing on the effective date of this chapter shall be entitled to renew the same at the existing location, provided that all such applications for renewal otherwise comply with all then-existing ordinance, laws, and regulations, as amended from time to time.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class A license may be exercised shall be from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, except on Sunday the hours shall be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight.
Light wine and beer tasting, alcohol dispensaries. Other provisions of this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, the holder of a valid Class A license issued to an alcohol dispensary shall be authorized to serve not more than one ounce from no more than three bottles or containers of beer or light wine to any one person for sampling or tasting purposes. Once opened, any bottles or containers of beer or light wine to be sampled shall be accurately and specifically marked for sampling or tasting purposes only or shall be discarded and shall not be offered for sale. The contents of any bottle or container opened for sampling or tasting purposes shall not be mixed with any other bottle or container. Any beer or light wine sampling or tasting authorized by this section shall be permitted on the licensed premises only.
Class A licenses for any supermarket shall require that the alcoholic beverages be kept and offered for sale exclusively in an enclosed area separated from the main sales area by permanent walls or partitions at least eight feet high.
Notwithstanding the requirement for a separate sales area for alcoholic beverages set forth in Subsection A(4) above, any supermarket holding a Class A license lawfully issued and validly existing on the effective date of this chapter shall be entitled to renew the same at the existing location without compliance therewith. Existing Class A licenses that are exempt from such requirement under this provision may be transferred to a new owner or location subject to the requirements of Subsection A(4) at any new location and compliance with all then-existing ordinances, laws, and regulations, as amended from time to time, but without regard to compliance with the market-test in § 11-8D.
Beer and light wine license, Class B (on-sale), hotels and restaurants.
General provisions. A Class B beer and light wine license shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell beer and light wine, at retail, at any hotel or restaurant, at the place described in the license, for consumption on the premises.
From and after the effective date of this chapter, the application for issuance or renewal of a Class B license shall also include all information required to obtain a caterer's endorsement in accordance with § 11-6A. Subject to all requirements otherwise applicable to a caterer's endorsement, all Class B licenses issued or renewed after this chapter becomes law shall include a caterer's endorsement as part of their issuance or renewal, unless the applicant affirmatively declines the same.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class B license may be exercised shall be from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on the following day, except on Sunday the hours shall be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on the following day.
Beer and light wine license, Class B-R (off-sale), hotels and restaurants.
General provisions. A Class B-R beer and light wine license shall be issued only to hotels and restaurants and shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell beer and light wine, at retail, at the place described in the license, in a sealed package or container, which package or container may not be opened nor its contents consumed on the premises where sold.
Any holder of a Class F license, lawfully issued and validly existing on the effective date of this chapter shall be entitled to obtain a Class B-R license through the renewal process at the existing location, provided that all such applications otherwise comply with all then-existing ordinances, laws, and regulations, as amended from time to time; provided further, that all such holders shall be entitled to a B-R license without regard to the market-test set forth in § 11-8D.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class B-R license may be exercised shall be from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on the following day, except on Sunday the hours shall be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on the following day.
Beer and light wine license, Class C (on-sale), clubs.
General provisions. A Class C beer and light wine license shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell beer and light wine, at retail, to bona fide members and their guests at any club, at the place described in the license, for consumption on the premises only.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class C license may be exercised shall be from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, except on Sunday the hours shall be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight.
Beer and light wine license, Class D (on- and off-sale), marinas.
General provisions. A Class D beer and light wine license shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell beer and light wine, at retail, at any marina, at the place described in the license, for consumption on the premises and elsewhere. All sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises shall occur in a cafe regularly preparing and serving full meals, which may include a sandwich menu.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class D license may be exercised shall be from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, except on Sunday the hours shall be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight.
Beer, wine and liquor license, Class E (off-sale), alcohol dispensaries.
General provisions. A Class E beer, wine and liquor license shall be issued only to an alcohol dispensary, and shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell all alcoholic beverages, at retail, in any quantity to any consumers, at the place described in the license, in a sealed package or container, which package or container shall not be opened nor its contents consumed on the premises where sold.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class E license may be exercised shall be from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, except on Sunday the hours shall be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight.
Wine and beer tasting, alcohol dispensaries. Other provisions of this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, the holder of a valid Class E license that is also an alcohol dispensary shall be authorized to serve not more than one ounce from no more than three bottles or containers of wine or beer to any one person for sampling or tasting purposes. Once opened, any bottles or containers of wine or beer to be sampled shall be accurately and specifically marked for sampling or tasting purposes only or shall be discarded and shall not be offered for sale. The contents of any bottle or container opened for sampling or tasting purposes shall not be mixed with any other bottle or container. Any wine or beer sampling or tasting authorized by this section shall be permitted on the licensed premises only.
Notwithstanding the limitation on issuance of Class E licenses to alcohol dispensaries in Subsection A(1) above, any holder of a Class E license, except for any pharmacy, that was lawfully issued and validly existing on the effective date of this chapter shall be entitled to renew the same at the existing location, provided that all such applications for renewal otherwise comply with all then-existing ordinances, laws, and regulations, as amended from time to time. Any such Class E license held by or for the benefit of any pharmacy shall be entitled to renew the same at the existing location, provided that all alcoholic beverages shall be offered for sale exclusively within an enclosed area not exceeding 25% of the sales area, separated from the main sales area by permanent walls or partitions at least eight feet high, and all such sales shall be processed through a separate cashier within and dedicated to that area, and that all such applications for renewal otherwise comply with all then-existing ordinances, laws, and regulations, as amended from time to time.
Notwithstanding the limitations and restrictions upon the issuance of new off-sale licenses set forth in § 11-8D, any holder of a Class E license that was lawfully issued and validly existing on the effective date of this chapter shall be entitled to renewal of such license as set forth in Subsection A(4), above, without regard to compliance with the market-test in § 11-8D.
Beer, wine and liquor license, Class F (on- and off-sale), hotels and restaurants.
General provisions. A Class F beer, wine and liquor license shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell all alcoholic beverages, at retail, at any hotel or restaurant qualified under Subsection B(2) hereof. All sales shall be for consumption on the premises only, at the place described in the license. Wine and beer may be sold for consumption on the premises and elsewhere.
No new Class F licenses shall issue after the effective date of this chapter. Upon expiration of an existing Class F license, all licensees holding a Class F license lawfully issued and validly existing on the effective date of this chapter shall be entitled to apply for and obtain both a Class B-R license and a Class F-A license for the premises described in the Class F license, provided that all such applications for renewal otherwise comply with all then-existing ordinances, laws, and regulations, as amended from time to time.
Upon the expiration of an existing Class F license, any renewal application for the place described in the existing license shall also include all information required to obtain a caterer's endorsement in accordance with § 11-6A. Subject to all requirements otherwise applicable to a caterer's endorsement, all licensees holding an existing Class F license that was lawfully issued and validly existing on the effective date of this chapter shall be entitled to a caterer's endorsement as part of their renewal, unless the applicant affirmatively declines the same.
A restaurant which seats at least 20 persons and maintains a kitchen staffed for serving food, which is open within one hour after the restaurant opens and is in continuous operation serving a full menu until at least two hours before the restaurant closes.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class F license may be exercised shall be from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on the following day, except on Sunday the hours shall be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on the following day.
Expiration of the right to renew, without renewal, for existing Class F licenses such that the transition from Class F to Class B-R and Class F-A has been completed or waived for all existing Class F licensees.
Beer, wine and liquor license, Class F-A (on-sale), hotels and restaurants.
General provisions. A Class F-A beer, wine and liquor license shall be issued only to a hotel or restaurant and shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell all alcoholic beverages, at retail, for consumption on the premises only, at the place described in the license.
The application for issuance or renewal of a Class F-A license shall include all information required to obtain a caterer's endorsement in accordance with § 11-6A. Subject to all requirements otherwise applicable to a caterer's endorsement, all Class F-A licenses issued or renewed after the effective date of this chapter shall include a caterer's endorsement as part of their issuance or renewal, unless the applicant affirmatively declines the same.
Requirements for license. A Class F-A license shall not be issued until all requirements for licensing have been met.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class F-A license may be exercised shall be from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on the following day, except on Sunday the hours shall be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on the following day.
Beer, wine and liquor license, Class G (on-sale), clubs.
General provisions. A Class G beer, wine and liquor license shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell all alcoholic beverages, at retail, at any club qualified under Subsection D(2) hereof, at the place described in the license, for consumption on the premises only.
Requirements for license. A Class G license shall be issued only to a club which is not operated for profit and which has had 50 or more bona fide members paying dues of not less than $10 per annum per member for five consecutive years immediately preceding the year for which the license is to be issued. A Class G license may be issued to a club composed exclusively of members who served in the Armed Forces of the United States, which is affiliated with a national organization and had 50 or more bona fide members paying whatever dues were required by its national organization in the year immediately preceding the year for which the license is to be issued.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class G license may be exercised shall be from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on the following day, except on Sunday the hours shall be from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on the following day.
Beer, wine and liquor license, Class GC (on-sale), golf courses.
General provisions. A Class GC beer, wine and liquor license shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell all alcoholic beverages, at retail, at any golf course qualified under Subsection E(2) hereof, at the place described in the license, for consumption on the premises only.
Requirements for license. A Class GC license shall be issued only to a golf course which is open to the public and has a golf course with a minimum of 18 holes. A licensee may sell beer, wine and liquor for consumption only on the land and in the buildings, including the clubhouse, used for golfing purposes. A patron need not be seated to be served.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class GC license may be exercised shall be from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day.
Beer, wine and liquor license, Class B-F (on-sale), banquet facility.
General provisions. A Class B-F beer, wine and liquor license shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell all alcoholic beverages, at retail, at any banquet facility qualified under Subsection F(2) hereof, at the place described in the license, for consumption on the premises only.
Contains a dining room with adequate facilities for preparing and serving full-course meals for at least 100 persons at one seating.
Food is furnished at the function where the alcoholic beverages are provided.
The application for issuance or renewal of a Class B-F license shall include all information required to obtain a caterer's endorsement in accordance with § 11-6A. Subject to all requirements otherwise applicable to a caterer's endorsement, all Class B-F licenses issued or renewed after the effective date of this chapter shall include a caterer's endorsement as part of their issuance or renewal, unless the applicant affirmatively declines the same.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class B-F license may be exercised shall be from 12:00 noon to 2:00 a.m. the following day, except on Sunday the hours shall be from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight.
Beer, wine and liquor license, Class B-T (on-sale), certain nonprofit theaters.
General provisions. A Class B-T beer, wine, and liquor license shall be issued only to nonprofit theaters and shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell beer, wine, and liquor at retail, at the place described in the license, for consumption on the premises only.
Requirements for license. A Class B-T license shall not be issued until all requirements for licensing have been met.
Eligibility to purchase temporary license. Other provisions of this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, a holder of a Class B-T license shall not by virtue thereof be prohibited from purchasing a special beer, wine and liquor license, nor shall any bona fide club, society, association or church be precluded from obtaining a special license for use on the theater premises, provided that the holder of the Class B-T license for the premises consents to the use of the special license.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class B-T license may be exercised shall be from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight each day; provided, however, that the sale and consumption of beer and light wine shall be restricted to a period of time beginning two hours before any scheduled entertainment and concluding one hour after said entertainment.
Beer, wine and liquor license, Class I (on- and off-sale), alcohol dispensary bistros.
On-sale. The holder of a Class I license shall be authorized to keep for sale and sell craft beer and wine at retail for consumption on-premises. Alcoholic beverages other than craft beer and wine shall not be sold or served for consumption on-premises.
Off-sale. The holder of a Class I license shall be authorized to keep for sale and sell, at retail, beer, wine, and liquor in a sealed package or container for consumption off-premises, which package or container shall not be opened nor its contents consumed on the premises where sold, except for craft beer and wine, which may be sold or served by the license holder for consumption on-premises in accordance with § 11-5H(1)(a), above.
Food service. The holder of a Class I license shall offer food to patrons consisting of hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, small savory dishes, such as cheeses, breads, and cured meats, cold sandwiches, and desserts, which shall be available at all times craft beer and wine is sold or served for consumption on-premises.
Bistro area. In this section, "bistro area" means the area of the licensed premises dedicated to the sale or service of craft beer and wine for consumption on-premises. "Bistro area" includes, without limitation, seating areas, service areas, and kitchen and food preparation areas. The bistro area shall be specifically designated and clearly marked. On-premises consumption of craft beer and wine and food service may only occur in the bistro area. Nothing in this section shall preclude the license holder from placing racks or displays containing sealed packages or containers of craft beer and wine in the bistro area. Liquor and beer other than craft beer shall not be kept or displayed in the bistro area.
Wine and beer tasting. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section or this chapter to the contrary, the holder of a Class I license shall be authorized to serve not more than one ounce from no more than three bottles or containers of wine or beer to any one person for sampling or tasting purposes. Once opened, any bottles or containers of wine or beer to be sampled shall be accurately and specifically marked for sampling or tasting purposes only or shall be discarded and shall not be offered for sale. The contents of any bottle or container opened for sampling or tasting purposes shall not be mixed with any other bottle or container. Any wine or beer sampling or tasting authorized by this section shall be permitted on the licensed premises only.
On-sale. The bistro area, as defined in § 11-5H(3), above, may be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; provided, however, that the bistro area may only be open when the off-sale portion of the business is also open.
Off-sale. The off-sale portion of the business may be open from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, except on Sunday the hours shall be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight.
Interim fee. In accordance with § 11-10B of this chapter, the County Council of Talbot County shall establish the fee for a Class I license in the Annual Budget and Appropriations Ordinance. Until such time as the County Council has done so, the fee for a Class I license shall be $2,500. Once the County Council has established a Class I license fee in the budget, this § 11-5H(6) shall automatically be of no further force or effect.
Caterer defined. In this section "caterer" means a Class B, Class B-F, B-R, or Class F-A license holder who contracts to provide food and alcoholic beverages to sponsors of public or private events held at specific locations within Talbot County off the licensed premises.
General provisions. A caterer's endorsement shall be issued only to holders of a Class B, Class B-F, Class B-R, or a Class F-A license. The endorsement shall authorize the holder thereof to sell the alcoholic beverages permitted for the class of license at locations within Talbot County for which no other license has been issued. Other provisions of this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, the holder of a Class B, Class B-F, Class B-R or Class F-A license shall not be prohibited from simultaneously holding a caterer's endorsement, if otherwise approved. The Board shall be authorized to issue a caterer's endorsement to holders of a Class B, Class B-F, Class B-R, or Class F-A license who meet the requirements for issuance of the caterer's endorsement and who are otherwise entitled to renewal of their license.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a caterer's endorsement may be exercised shall be the same as the hours permitted for the class of license.
Requirement to provide food. The holder of a caterer's endorsement shall provide food as well as alcoholic beverages at catered events.
The holder of a caterer's endorsement shall not provide alcoholic beverages at the same location for more than five consecutive days or more than a total of 15 days in any calendar year without first obtaining the written permission of the Board.
The holder of a caterer's endorsement shall not provide alcoholic beverages at any location which is owned or leased by the license holder or in which the license holder has any financial interest. This subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting catering alcoholic beverages at any legitimate club or fraternal organization to which the license holder belongs or at the holder's residence.
Special festival defined. In this section "special festival" means a special event held on an irregularly scheduled basis for the purpose of promoting wines or beers produced by one or more wineries, vintners or microbreweries.
General provisions. A special festival endorsement shall be issued only to holders of Class A, B, E, or F licenses. The endorsement shall authorize the holder thereof to sell or serve beer or wine by the glass to patrons on the site of the special festival during the specified hours of the event and to sell at retail, in any quantity, to patrons of the event, wines or beer offered for tasting at the event, in sealed packages or containers, which packages or containers shall not be opened nor the contents thereof consumed on the site of the festival. Other provisions of this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, the holder of a Class A, B, E or F license shall not be prohibited from simultaneously holding a special festival endorsement, if otherwise approved. The Board shall be authorized to utilize an abbreviated procedure for the issuance of a special festival endorsement to holders of a Class A, B, E or F license who are in good standing at the time of the application.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a special festival endorsement may be exercised shall be the same as the hours permitted for the class of license.
Limits on number of endorsements. A special festival endorsement shall not be issued for more than two consecutive days, and no more than four endorsements shall be issued to a license holder in any calendar year.
Special beer and light wine license, Class H (on-sale), seven days.
General provisions. A Class H special beer and light wine license shall entitle the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell beer and light wine, at retail, at the place described in the license, in conjunction with any bona fide entertainment conducted by a club, society, association or church, for consumption on the premises only, for a period not exceeding seven consecutive days from the effective date of the license. The Board shall be authorized to utilize an abbreviated procedure for the issuance of a Class H license.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class H license may be exercised shall be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 midnight each day; provided, however, that the sale and consumption of beer and light wine shall be restricted to a period of time beginning two hours before the scheduled entertainment and concluding one hour after said entertainment.
Special beer, wine and liquor license, Class J (on-sale), seven days.
General provisions. A Class J special beer, wine and liquor license shall entitle the holder thereof to keep for sale and sell all alcoholic beverages, at retail, at the place described in the license, in conjunction with any bona fide entertainment conducted by a club, society, association or church, for consumption on the premises only, for a period not exceeding seven consecutive days from the effective date of the license. The Board shall be authorized to utilize an abbreviated procedure for the issuance of a Class J license.
Hours. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a Class J license may be exercised shall be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 midnight each day; provided, however, that the sale and consumption of beer, wine and liquor shall be restricted to a period of time beginning two hours before the scheduled entertainment and concluding one hour after said entertainment.
Disposal-of-stock license (10 days). A disposal-of-stock license of any class shall entitle the holder thereof to exercise the privileges of the class of license for a period not exceeding 10 consecutive days, for the purpose of disposing of the license holder's stock of alcoholic beverages, in cases where a license has been revoked, canceled, suspended or renewal denied. A disposal-of-stock license shall authorize the sale of the license holder's stock at retail or to one or more holders of wholesale licenses, and such holders of wholesale licenses are hereby authorized to purchase such stock. The holder of a disposal-of-stock license is not authorized to purchase alcoholic beverages for the purpose of resale under this license.
Temporary removal license. A temporary removal license of any class shall entitle the holder thereof to temporarily move the licensed premises from one location to another, when the relocation is necessitated by fire or other catastrophe. The privileges of a temporary removal license may be exercised while the originally licensed premises are being restored, for a period to be established by the Board, but not to exceed six months. No fee shall be charged for a temporary removal license, provided that any renewal fees which are due during the continuance of the license are paid on time. The Board shall be required to approve, as in the case of the original application, the new location to which the license holder temporarily relocates.
License requirements for corporation, limited liability company, partnership, club or association.
A license application made for a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, club or other association (whether incorporated or unincorporated) shall also be applied for by and shall be issued to two or more individuals who are authorized to act for the entity and who are officers, directors, stockholders or employees of the corporation; members or employees of the limited liability company; partners of the partnership; or officers, directors or members of the club or association. If an entity has a sole owner, only that individual shall be required to apply for and be issued a license. The individual license holders shall be residents of Talbot County or a contiguous county. The application shall also set forth the names and addresses of all of the directors and officers of a corporation, club or association, all of the members of a limited liability company, or all of the partners of a partnership and shall be signed by the appropriate officers of the entity, as well as by the two or more individuals to whom the license shall be issued for the use of the entity. Every application for a license shall disclose the name, all trade names and all addresses of the corporation, limited liability company, partnership, club or association, as well as the name and business and home address of the individual applicants.
The individual license holders and the corporation, limited liability company, partnership, club or association shall assume all responsibilities, individually, jointly and severally, and shall be subject to all of the penalties, conditions and restrictions imposed upon license holders under the provisions of this chapter.
No more than two licenses for same person. No more than two licenses provided by this chapter, except by way of renewal, shall be issued to any individual or to any person for the use of any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, club or association.
Zoning restrictions. No license provided by this chapter shall be issued or utilized in a manner which will result in a violation of any zoning ordinance or other statutory land use restriction of the County or the incorporated municipality in which the place of business proposed to be licensed is located. No new license shall be issued for any use not specifically provided in this chapter. To the extent of any inconsistency between the definitions of use in this chapter and any land use ordinance, the definitions that are more restrictive or stringent shall prevail.
Restriction upon off-sale licenses, market-test, grandfathering.
New off-sale licenses shall be issued only to alcohol dispensaries, alcohol dispensary bistros, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and convenience stores.
Notwithstanding the limitation in Subsection D(1) on issuance of new off-sale licenses, any holder of an off-sale license, except for any pharmacy, that was lawfully issued and validly existing on the effective date of this chapter shall be entitled to renew the same at the existing location, provided that all such applications for renewal otherwise comply with all then-existing ordinances, laws, and regulations, as amended from time to time. Pharmacies shall be governed by the provisions in § 11-5 A(4) and (5).
Notwithstanding the limitation in Subsection D(1) on issuance of new off-sale licenses, a gas station for which a Class A off-sale beer and light wine license had been issued, but which is no longer in full force and effect on the effective date of this chapter due to voluntary nonrenewal, may reapply for a new Class A license for the same location at any time within one year after the effective date of this chapter.
Except for Class A licenses for supermarkets and Class I licenses for alcohol dispensary bistros issued to the holder of a Class E license to replace the Class E license, off-sale licenses are subject to the following requirements. The Board shall limit and restrict the number of new off-licenses as set forth in this section.
The Board may issue a new off-sale license if the total population within the service area equals or exceeds 750 persons for all existing off-sale licenses and the newly proposed license.
For a proposed urban location, the service area shall include all census blocks within a radius of two miles from the site of the proposed new license.
For a proposed rural location, the service area shall include all census blocks within a radius of five miles from the site of the proposed new license.
All census blocks in Talbot County from the most recent decennial census within, intersected by, or touching the service area shall be used to determine the total population within the service area.
For purposes of this section, an urban location is a proposed site within a municipality and a rural location is a proposed site outside a municipality.
Remainder (must be equal to or greater than 750 for new off-sale license).
Total population within service area.
Total number of existing off-sale licenses, (Classes A, B-R, D, E, and F) within the service area, excluding the proposed new off-sale license and excluding existing Class A licenses for supermarkets.
New off-sale licenses shall be at least 500 feet from public or private schools, public parks, except for Thompson Park at the intersection of Washington Street and Dover Street in the Town of Easton when issued to a Class I alcohol dispensary bistro, and correctional facilities. Licensees holding off-sale licenses lawfully issued and validly existing on the effective date of this chapter shall be permitted to renew and maintain such licenses at existing locations, provided that all such applications for renewal otherwise comply with all then-existing ordinances, laws, and regulations, as amended from time to time.
In addition to the requirements of this section, an applicant for a new off-sale license must meet all other applicable criteria.
The class of license desired.
The name and residence of each individual applicant and how long each has resided at the stated address and the name and address of any entity on behalf of which the individual applicants seek a license.
A statement that each individual applicant is a resident of Talbot County or a contiguous county.
A statement that each individual applicant is a citizen of the United States, including the place of birth of each applicant and, if a naturalized citizen, when and where naturalized.
A statement that each individual applicant is not less than 21 years of age.
The particular place for which the license is desired, designating the street name and number, and also a description of the portion of the building in which the business will be conducted.
The name of the owner of the premises upon which the business sought to be licensed is to be carried on.
A statement that none of the individual applicants has ever been convicted of a felony or of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude and a further statement as to whether any of them have ever been adjudged guilty of violating the laws governing the sale of alcoholic beverages, controlled dangerous substances, or gambling in the State of Maryland, any other state, or of the United States or any foreign country. The Board shall have the authority to obtain criminal records on any applicant for an alcoholic beverage license prior to the issuance of the license, and the applicant, as part of the application, shall provide whatever consents, authorizations, or releases of information are necessary for this purpose.
A statement that each individual applicant has a pecuniary interest in, employment relationship with, or is authorized to act on behalf of the entity seeking the license, including the nature of each applicant's relationship to any entity having an interest in the business.
A statement that none of the individual applicants has had a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages revoked.
A statement identifying any other premises or entity holding a liquor license in which any of the individual applicants or the entity they represent have an interest and identifying any other license issued pursuant to this chapter from which any of the individual applicants or the entity receives any revenue directly or indirectly.
A statement as to whether any of the individual applicants or the entity has ever had a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages and, if so, in what state and at what location.
A statement that no manufacturer, brewer, distiller or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages has any financial interest, directly or indirectly, in the premises or business of the applicant and that the applicant will not thereafter convey or grant to any such manufacturer, brewer, distiller or wholesaler any such interest, except as otherwise permitted in this chapter, and that the applicant, at the time of making the application, has no indebtedness or other financial obligations and will not thereafter incur any such indebtedness or other financial obligations, directly or indirectly, to any manufacturer, brewer, distiller or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages other than for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
A statement, duly executed and acknowledged by the owner of the premises upon which the business is to be conducted, assenting to the granting of the license applied for and authorizing the Comptroller of the State of Maryland, his duly authorized deputies, inspectors and clerks, the Talbot County Board of Liquor License Commissioners, its duly authorized agents and employees, any Talbot County Alcoholic Beverages Inspector, deputy, or assistant, any peace officer of Talbot County and any peace officer of any incorporated municipality in which the business is to be conducted to inspect and search, without warrant, the premises upon which the business is to be conducted, and any and all parts of the building in which the business is to be conducted, at any and all hours. The statement shall contain an acknowledgment that any evidence discovered during any lawful inspection of licensed buildings or premises shall be admissible in any prosecution for violation of this chapter, and shall be admissible in any hearing for revocation, suspension, or restriction of the license of the person, firm, corporation or association who has obtained a license to sell alcoholic beverages in such building or premises.
A certificate signed by at least 10 citizens, who shall be owners of real estate and registered voters of the precinct in which the business is to be conducted, setting forth the length of time each has been acquainted with the applicant or, in the case of a corporation, with the individuals making the application. The certificate must state that the signers thereof have examined the application and have good reason to believe that all the statements contained in the application are true, that they are of the opinion that the applicant is a suitable person to obtain the license, and that they are familiar with the premises upon which the proposed business is to be conducted and believe the premises are suitable for the conduct of the business of a retail dealer in alcoholic beverages. The requirements of this section do not apply to applications for special or temporary (Class H and Class J) licenses.
Proof of a valid food service facility permit from the Talbot County Health Department must be shown for those classes of licenses (Class F and Class F-A) which require the serving of food as a condition of the license or where the applicant is engaged in a business which requires such a permit.
Proof of compliance with the current provisions of the State Fire Prevention Code from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Published notice. Before the Board shall approve any new license, the Board shall cause a notice of such application to be published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in Talbot County. The notice shall specify the names of the individual applicants and any entity they represent, the type of license applied for and the location of the place of business proposed to be licensed as well as the date, time and location fixed by the Board for a hearing upon the application. The hearing shall be not less than seven days nor more than 30 days after the last publication.
Whenever a hearing upon a license application is scheduled, the place of business proposed to be licensed shall be posted at least 15 days prior to the hearing date by the erection of a sign to be furnished by the Board. Such sign shall be erected by the person(s) making application, within 10 feet of whatever boundary line of the property abuts the most traveled public road and, if no public road abuts thereon, then facing in such a manner as most readily may be seen by the public, as designated by the Board. The bottom of the sign shall not be less than three feet from the ground. The sign furnished by the Board shall not be less than two feet high and two feet wide, and shall bear the words: NOTICE – APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE FOR A LIQUOR LICENSE AT THIS LOCATION. Talbot County Board of Liquor License Commissioners (410) 770-8019.
At the hearing, it shall be the duty of the applicant to prove by affidavit that he has fully complied with this provision and has continuously maintained the sign in compliance with this provision up to the time of the hearing. Any sign required to be posted by this provision shall be maintained in a visible location and free from obstruction until after the public hearing is held, and such sign shall be removed within five days after the public hearing.
Notice to local jurisdiction and adjacent property owners. Whenever a hearing upon a license application is scheduled, the Board shall give at least 15 days' notice of the time and place of such hearing to be mailed by regular United States mail, first class postage prepaid, to the applicant, to the governing body of the local jurisdiction in which the place of business proposed to be licensed is located, and to the owners of all property contiguous to the place of business proposed to be licensed and of all properties opposite said property measured at right angles to any intervening road or street. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to furnish the Board with a complete, accurate and up-to-date list of all such property owners. The notice shall be directed to the address to which the real estate tax bill on the property is sent. The notice shall contain the same information as the published notice required in Subsection A(1) hereof. For purposes of this section the term "contiguous property owner" is to include owners of property within 1,000 feet of the subject property, whose line of sight to the subject property is entirely over water. Failure of a person to receive the notice prescribed in this section shall not impair the validity of the hearing.
Hearing. At the time fixed by the notice for a hearing upon an application or upon the continuance of any such hearing, the individual applicants and representatives of the entity seeking a license shall have the first opportunity to be heard by the Board and to present evidence to the Board; provided, however, that the Board may stipulate that after the expiration of a reasonable predetermined amount of time the applicant's presentation may be interrupted to permit opponents an opportunity to be heard. Thereafter, any interested person in attendance shall be heard by the Board on either side of the question. The applicant shall have the final opportunity to address the Board at the conclusion of all testimony or evidence. The Board shall make an adequate record of its proceedings so as to permit judicial review. The costs of reproduction of the record shall be borne by the person seeking the copy.
If the Board determines that the granting of the license is not necessary for the accommodation of the public, or that the applicants are not fit persons to receive the license applied for, or have made a material false statement in the application, or have practiced fraud in connection with said application, or that the operation of the business, if the license is granted, will unduly disturb the peace of the residents of the neighborhood in which the place of business is to be located, or the applicant for an off-sale license does not satisfy the requirements of § 11-8D, or that there are other substantial reasons in the discretion of the Board why the license should not be issued, then the application shall be disapproved and the license applied for shall be refused. If no such findings are made by the Board, then the Board shall approve the application and issue the license upon the applicant's payment of the required fee.
Within 30 days of the conclusion of the hearing, the Board shall issue a written decision setting forth its factual determinations, its decision concerning the license in question, and the basis for its decision.
Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Board who appeared at the hearing before the Board shall have 30 days after the issuance of the Board's decision to appeal the decision to the Circuit Court for Talbot County.
License and application fees. The license and application fees applicable to each class of license shall be established by the County Council of Talbot County in the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance. All fees collected under this chapter shall be remitted to the Talbot County Finance Office. The salaries of the Board, together with the necessary office, clerical and investigational expenses of the Board, shall be paid by the County Council, as approved in the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance adopted by the County Council. The balance of all fee revenue collected under this chapter, which is not expended on the approved salaries and expenses of the Board, shall be devoted to the general purposes of the County as approved by the County Council.
In the event that the licensed premises are taken by the federal government, the state or any city or municipality for public use.
License forms; date of issue and expiration. Only licenses authorized under the provisions of this chapter may be issued by the Board. Every license issued shall be upon forms prescribed by the Board. Each license shall be dated as of the date of issue and shall expire on the April 30 next after its issuance, except temporary licenses and special licenses, which shall expire as otherwise provided.
Pro rata license fees. The fee for every license issued for a period of less than one year (except temporary or special licenses) shall be subject to the annual fee if issued during the first three months of the license year; 3/4 of the annual fee if issued during the second quarter of the license year; 1/2 of the annual fee if issued during the third quarter of the license year; and 1/4 of the annual license fee if issued during the fourth quarter of the license year.
Successive applications. If a license is refused, no application for the same license shall be considered from the same applicant for the same premises for a period of one year.
Application for renewal. The holder or holders of any expiring license other than special licenses issued under the provisions of this chapter shall, not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days before the first day of May of each year, file a written application, duly verified by oath, for the renewal of the license with the Board. The renewal application shall state either that the facts in the original application are unchanged or shall clearly and completely identify all such changes, based on which the Board may, in its discretion, treat the renewal application as a new application. The renewal application shall be accompanied by a statement, signed by the owner of the premises, consenting to the renewal of the license and to search and seizure as in the case of the original application. A statement of consent shall not be required if the owner has previously signed such a statement in connection with an original application or previous renewal application giving consent for the term of the owner's lease with the applicant. Upon the filing of the renewal application and the payment of the prescribed annual fee, the holder or holders of an expiring license shall be entitled to a new license for another year without the filing of further statements or the furnishing of any further information, unless such information is specifically requested by the Board. Renewal licenses shall be administratively approved without a hearing before the Board, unless a protest signed by not less than 10 residents or property owners in the County election district in which the licensed place of business is located has been filed against the granting of a renewal license at least 30 days before the expiration of the license for which renewal is sought. The Board may, upon its own initiative, after notice to the applicant, treat a renewal application as an original application. In the event of a protest or in the event that the Board determines, in the exercise of its discretion, to treat a renewal application as an original application, then the application shall be heard and determined as in the case of an original application. In such cases, the Board may consider evidence concerning the impact of the licensed establishment upon the peace and repose of the community. A factual finding, based upon clear and convincing evidence that the licensed establishment has significantly and regularly intruded upon the peace and repose of the neighboring property owners so as to have a deleterious impact upon the public health, safety and welfare, shall be a sufficient basis for denial of the renewal application or the limitation of the hours of operation of the license holder by the Board.
At the time of renewal of either a Class C or a Class G license, the individuals listed as holding the license on behalf of a club may, at the discretion of the Board, be deleted, or the names of additional individuals may be added to or substituted for any or all of the original license holders without the necessity of filing a formal application for transfer; provided, however, that the proposed license holders are otherwise qualified, and further provided that the President or Chief Executive Officer of the club shall certify that the individuals are authorized to act on behalf of the club. When a renewal application contains a request to add, delete or substitute individual license holders, the Board may approve the application, or require the filing of an application for transfer as provided in § 11-12C hereof.
The procedural rules for a renewal hearing shall follow those set forth in § 11-10A hereof. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Board who appeared at the renewal hearing before the Board shall have 30 days after the issuance of the Board's decision to appeal the decision to the Circuit Court for Talbot County.
License not property. Licenses issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not be regarded as property or as conferring any property rights. All such licenses shall be subject to suspension, restriction or revocation and to all rules and regulations that may be adopted as herein provided.
Duplicates for lost licenses. Whenever a license issued under the provisions of this chapter has been lost or destroyed, the official issuing such licenses shall have the power, upon application under oath and upon payment of a fee of $10, to issue another license, upon which shall be endorsed the word "duplicate" in addition to all of the information which appeared upon the original license.
General procedure. Any holder of a license under the provisions of this chapter, including a receiver or trustee for the benefit of creditors, may, in the discretion of the Board, be permitted to transfer his place of business to some other location and/or transfer his stock-in-trade to another person, provided that an application for such transfer and/or sale shall be made and approved by the Board, and that a bulk transfer permit is obtained where the stock of alcoholic beverages is to be transferred, whether by sale, gift, inheritance, assignment or otherwise and irrespective of whether or not consideration is paid. Except as provided in Subsection C(2) hereof or in § 11-11, the new location and/or assignee shall be approved as in the case of an original application for a license. Such transfer and/or assignment, when made, shall be reflected in the issuance of a new license or endorsed upon the original license by the official issuing the same upon payment of a fee of $10, in addition to the application fee, which shall be paid at the time of the filing of the application for transfer and/or sale. This section shall permit the transfer of class of license, location and the assignment of license in the same application.
Addition, deletion or substitution of license holders. When the entity which owns the business and the location of the business for which a license has been issued are to remain the same, no more than two, but less than all, of the persons listed on the license may be deleted and other persons may be substituted therefor by the submission of an application for review by the Board. The Board may provide a special application form for this purpose, which shall solicit all of the information relating to the new applicant which would be required of an original applicant, require the approval of the owners of the premises, require the certificate provided in § 11-8A, and require the consent of all license holders and of the persons whose names are to be added to those persons already listed on the license, and persons listed on the license may be deleted therefrom, in the manner provided herein, provided that the minimum number of persons required for said license shall be maintained. The Board may, in its discretion, either administratively approve said application, or cause notice of the application to be published and a hearing to be conducted as in the case of an original application.
License holder vacating premises. On the 10th day after the holder of any license issued under the provisions of this chapter shall have vacated or been evicted from the premises for which said license was issued, said license shall expire unless an application for a transfer thereof to another location or assignment to another person has been approved or is then pending; provided, however, that the official authorized to issue licenses may, in his discretion, postpone such expiration for an additional period, not exceeding 20 days in any case, to avoid any undue hardship.
Display of licenses. Every person receiving a license under the provisions of this chapter shall frame the license under glass and place the framed license so that it shall at all times be conspicuous and easily read in the place of business.
Availability of chapter. Every license holder shall keep a copy of this chapter in an area in the licensed premises where it is easily accessible for reference when necessary. It is the responsibility of the license holder to ensure that all employees or agents of the license holder are advised of the provisions of this chapter. The Board shall provide to each license holder on an annual basis either a complete copy of the current version of this chapter, or at their election, a copy of only those sections that have been amended during the previous year.
Upon the death of an individual license holder, the license shall expire upon the close of the 90th day following the date of death except as herein otherwise provided. In cases where the deceased is the proprietor of the licensed premises, upon application to the Board and upon the payment of a fee of $10 made by the personal representatives of the deceased license holder, a certificate of permission may be granted for the continuation of the business in the name of the personal representatives for the benefit of the estate of the deceased for a period not exceeding the balance of the current license year, or the closing of the estate, whichever occurs first. In the event the estate has not been closed upon the expiration of the license year, the personal representatives may apply for renewal of the license, and upon payment of the required annual license fee, a renewal license may be granted; provided, however, that no application for a renewal license hereunder may be made more than 18 months after the death of the license holder. Such certificates of permission and renewal licenses will be subject to the right of protest, revocation, suspension, and restriction as in other cases, and during the continuation period, the license holder and the personal representative of the deceased shall be subject to all of the provisions of this chapter. The personal representatives to which a certificate has been granted may assign or transfer the license for the benefit of the estate, and upon the approval of the application for the transfer or assignment, the license shall be considered reinstated upon the payment of the balance of the license fee which is due until the expiration of the license year.
If the licensed premises are operated for the benefit of a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, another individual license holder may be substituted for the deceased upon the filing of an application as provided for herein, and the premises may continue to sell alcoholic beverages pending approval of the new license holder.
An application for substitution of another license holder for the deceased license holder shall be made within 90 days of the date of death. Upon the filing of such an application, and until a decision is made and issued as provided herein, the license shall continue in full force and effect, subject to all other provisions of this chapter.
Hours of operation. The hours during which the privileges conferred by a license may be exercised shall be defined as either Eastern standard or daylight saving time, whichever is in effect on the date in question.
General provisions. License holders are required to comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter and with all provisions of state law applicable to Talbot County by virtue of § 11-20 of this chapter, Article 2B, § 18-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, or Article 25, § 3(ee), Annotated Code of Maryland. Violation of any such provision is a misdemeanor, and in addition to any criminal penalty, may result in administrative sanctions including revocation or suspension of any license issued pursuant to this chapter or the imposition of a fine, or any combination thereof.
No license holder shall allow a person to act in the capacity of a bartender who is not at least 21 years of age. For the purposes of this section, a "bartender" is any person who mixes or pours drinks for consumption on the licensed premises.
No license holder shall allow a person to act in the capacity of waiter or waitress who is required to take orders for alcoholic beverages unless said waiter or waitress is at least 18 years of age.
No license holder of a beer and light wine license shall allow a person to act in the capacity of a sales clerk authorized to sell or offer for sale beer or light wine at retail who is not at least 18 years of age.
No license holder of a beer, wine and liquor license shall allow a person to act in the capacity of a sales clerk authorized to sell or offer for sale beer, wine or liquor at retail who is not at least 21 years of age.
Sales to minors and intoxicated persons prohibited.
No license holder under the provisions of this chapter or any of the license holder's employees or agents shall sell or furnish any alcoholic beverages at any time to any person except in conformance with the age limitations as established from time to time by the State of Maryland.
No license holder or any of the license holder's employees or agents shall sell or furnish any alcoholic beverages to any person who at the time of such sale or delivery is visibly under the influence of any alcoholic beverage.
A violation of this section by an employee or agent of a license holder shall be deemed a violation by the license holder, who shall be responsible for all alcoholic beverage sales in or upon the licensed premises.
Noise regulations. The Board may regulate the time and noise level of the playing of mechanical music boxes, live music, and sound-making devices that are used on licensed premises where the sound disturbs the peace, tranquility, safety, and health of the surrounding neighborhood.
Slot machine restriction. The Board shall be prohibited from issuing a license under the provisions of this chapter to any entity at any place at which one or more slot machines are located, maintained, or operated, unless the entity is a fraternal, religious or veterans nonprofit organization with a license to operate the slot machine(s) issued by the Sheriff of Talbot County.
Alcohol awareness training. All employees involved in the sale of alcoholic beverages shall successfully complete training in an alcohol awareness program within 180 days of the date of hire. The Liquor Inspector may grant an extension not to exceed 60 days for licensees with less than three employees whose businesses would suffer undue hardship, due to circumstances beyond the licensee's reasonable control. Any request for a waiver must be submitted in writing within 30 days and contain all grounds in support of the request.
For purposes of this section, "approved alcohol awareness program," has the meaning and is subject to the requirements and time limitations set forth in Article 2B § 13-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended from time to time.
Nothing in this section relieves the licensee from compliance with any other applicable state requirements regarding alcohol awareness training.
This section may not be construed to create or enlarge any civil cause of action or criminal proceeding against a licensee.
First offense: fine of $50.
Fourth or subsequent offense: suspension of 10 to 30 days.
Conviction of the license holder for violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or of applicable state law regulating the retail sale of alcoholic beverages.
Any finding of fact in a criminal proceeding that would be sufficient to sustain a judgment or verdict of guilt for any violation of this chapter or applicable state law regulating the retail sale of alcoholic beverages, regardless of whether that finding is stricken and probation before judgment is granted.
Failure or refusal of any license holder to comply with any provisions of this chapter or any applicable state law, or any rule or regulation that may be adopted pursuant to this chapter.
The making of any material false statement in any application for a license.
A conviction of one or more of the clerks, agents, or employees of a license holder for the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or applicable state law on the licensed premises.
A finding by the Board that one or more of the clerks, agents, or employees of a license holder violated any of the provisions of this chapter or of applicable state law on the licensed premises.
Three or more violations of any provision of Chapter 159, Article I, Talbot County Code, Smoking. For purposes of this subsection, the Board may not amend, modify, or decline to impose the requisite suspension upon any licensee for the period designated in § 159-9C(2) following a determination that the requisite violations have occurred.
Repeated failure or refusal of any license holder to comply with any provisions of the Talbot County Code, including but not limited to violations of Chapter 92 of the Talbot County Code.
For purposes of this section a conviction is deemed to have occurred whenever a person accused of a crime pleads guilty or nolo contendere or is found guilty of an offense.
A sale or delivery of an alcoholic beverage by a license holder before or after the hours during which the privileges conferred by the applicable license may be exercised.
An open container holding more than a trace of an alcoholic beverage, prior to or more than 30 minutes after the hours during which the privileges conferred by the applicable license may be exercised.
Live entertainment or playing of electronic entertainment other than during the hours in which the privileges conferred by the applicable license may be exercised.
The owner, license holder or their agents or employees actually engaged in cleaning or preparing for the next day's operation.
Entertainers actually engaged in preparing for opening or closing down after a performance.
Delivery personnel actually making deliveries.
The sale, delivery or furnishing of an alcoholic beverage by a license holder, clerk, agent or employee of a license holder to a minor on the licensed premises.
Procedure for revocation or suspension.
The Board may, on its own initiative, or upon complaints by local citizens, or upon a complaint by the State's Attorney, any peace officer, or the County Health Officer, revoke or suspend any license issued under the provisions of this chapter or impose a monetary fine upon any license holder, or both. Such action shall not be taken until the Board has conducted a hearing upon the complaint, notice of which shall be mailed or delivered to the license holder at least 10 days before the hearing. Revocation or suspension hearings shall be conducted pursuant to § 11-10A of this chapter, except that the notification provisions thereof shall not apply. In addition, in a hearing under this section, the person or entity making the complaint to the Board shall be the first to present evidence to the Board; the license holder shall then present its evidence, to be followed by any further evidence to be presented by the complainant. The Board may permanently revoke or suspend a license for any period, or impose a fine, at its discretion, upon a finding that any provision of this chapter or any applicable state law has been violated, or upon a finding based upon clear and convincing evidence that the continued licensing of the premises in question constitutes a danger to the public health, safety, or welfare.
Within 30 days of the hearing, the Board shall issue its decision, setting forth its findings, determination of any violations, and imposition of any penalty, sanction or fine. If no decision is issued by the Board within 30 days of the hearing, a finding of "no violation" shall result.
Any person or license holder violating the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for not more than six months, or to both such fine and imprisonment; provided, however, that if applicable state law provides a greater penalty, the penalty provided by state law shall prevail.
Anyone charged with selling or furnishing alcoholic beverages to a person not of legal age in violation of § 11-13C shall be found not guilty of said violation if such person establishes to the satisfaction of the jury, or the court sitting as a jury, that he used due caution to establish that such person was of legal age to purchase or be supplied alcoholic beverages. The granting of probation before judgment to a license holder or employee or agent of a license holder for any alleged violation of this chapter or applicable state law does not bar the Board from proceeding against the license holder for the violation.
The Board determines that the public welfare and safety will not be impaired by allowing the license holder to operate during the suspension period and that payment of the fine will achieve the desired disciplinary purposes.
The fine assessed by the Board under this subsection shall not exceed $1,000 for each violation.
All moneys collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the general funds of Talbot County.
The Board shall have promulgated such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection, including any conditions to be imposed on the license holder as a condition of holding any such suspension in abeyance.
It shall be unlawful in Talbot County for any bottle club to sell, serve, give, dispense, keep or allow to be consumed on its premises, or on premises under its control or possession, any alcoholic beverages, setups or other component parts of mixed alcoholic drinks. As used in this subsection, the term "bottle club" shall mean any club which serves, sells, gives, or dispenses alcoholic beverages to its members or guests, or which keeps for its members or guests any alcoholic beverages, or which allows to be consumed on its premises any alcoholic beverages, by its members or guests, which beverages have been reserved or purchased by the members or guests; or any club at which patrons are served, given, or allowed to consume alcoholic beverages after legal closing hours from any supplies that the patrons have previously purchased or reserved; or any club that sells, dispenses, serves, keeps, or allows to be consumed any setups or other component parts of mixed alcoholic drinks to its members or guests.
Drive-through sales prohibited. A licensee shall not sell, offer to sell, or dispense alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption through a facility commonly known as a "walk-up" or "drive-through" window.
Notification requirements. To aid in the enforcement of this chapter, it shall be the responsibility of all law enforcement personnel, including members of the Maryland State Police, the Talbot County Sheriff's Department, the Talbot County State's Attorney's Office, the Natural Resources Police, and each of the municipal police departments in Talbot County, to notify the Board of any violation citations issued to any license holder under the provisions of this chapter, within 48 hours of the issuance of the citation. The Board shall notify law enforcement personnel, including members of the Maryland State Police, the Talbot County Sheriff's Department, the Talbot County State's Attorney's Office, the Natural Resources Police, and the appropriate municipal police department, of any license issued under the provisions of this chapter which is revoked or suspended, or of any fines which are imposed for a violation of this chapter.
Chemical test report. For the purpose of establishing that physical evidence in a criminal proceeding or administrative hearing under the provisions of this chapter contains or constitutes alcohol or an alcoholic beverage, a report signed by the chemist or analyst who performed the test or tests as to its nature is prima facie evidence that the material delivered to him was properly tested under procedures approved by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, that those procedures are legally reliable, that the material was delivered to him by the officer or person stated in the report, and that the material was or contained alcohol, without the necessity of the chemist or analyst personally appearing in court, or at any hearing, provided the report identifies the chemist or analyst as an individual certified by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Maryland State Police Department, the Baltimore City Police Department, or any County police department employing analysts of controlled dangerous substances or alcohol, as qualified under standards approved by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to analyze those substances, states that he made an analysis of the substance under approved procedures and also states that the substance, in his opinion, is or contains alcohol. Nothing in this section precludes the right of any party to introduce any evidence supporting or contradicting the evidence contained in or the presumptions raised by the report.
In this section, "chain of custody" means the seizing officer; the packaging officer, if the packaging officer is not also the seizing officer; and the chemist or person who actually touched the substance and not merely the outer sealed package in which the substance was placed by the law enforcement agency before or during the analysis of the substance.
"Chain of custody" does not include a person who handled the substance in any form after analysis of the substance.
For the purpose of establishing, in a criminal proceeding or an administrative hearing under the provisions of this chapter, the chain of physical custody or control of evidence consisting of or containing a substance tested or analyzed to determine whether it is or contains alcohol, a statement signed by each successive person in the chain of custody that the person delivered it to the other person indicated on or about the date stated is prima facie evidence that the person had custody and made the delivery as stated, without the necessity of a personal appearance in court by the person signing the statement. The statement shall contain a sufficient description of the material or its container so as to distinguish it as the particular item in question and shall state that the material was delivered in essentially the same condition as received.
Nothing in this section precludes the right of any party to introduce any evidence supporting or contradicting the evidence contained in or the presumption raised by the statement.
Presence of chemist or analyst at criminal proceeding.
In a criminal proceeding under the provisions of this chapter, the prosecution shall, upon written demand of a defendant filed in the proceedings at least five days prior to a trial in the proceeding, require the presence of the chemist, analyst, or any person in the chain of custody as a prosecution witness.
The provisions of § 11-17B and C concerning prima facie evidence do not apply to the testimony of that witness. The provisions of §§ 11-17B and C are applicable in a criminal proceeding only when a copy of the report or statement to be introduced is mailed, delivered, or made available to counsel for the defendant or to the defendant personally when the defendant is not represented by counsel, at least 10 days prior to the introduction of the report or statement at trial.
Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the defendant from summoning a witness mentioned in this section as a witness for the defense.
At an administrative proceeding, the reports described in Subsections B and C above shall be prima facie evidence without the presence of the chemist, analyst, or any person in the chain of custody. Nothing in this section prevents the license holder or any other party from summoning the chemist, analysts or any other person in the chain of custody.
Physical evidence. For the purpose of establishing that physical evidence in a criminal proceeding or an administrative hearing under the provisions of this chapter contains or constitutes alcohol, a sealed container in its original unopened condition which has a label which states that it contains alcohol or is an alcoholic beverage is prima facie evidence that the contents of the container are or include alcohol or an alcoholic beverage.
Appointment. The County Manager, with the approval of the Council, shall appoint an Alcoholic Beverages Inspector and such deputies or assistants as the Council may authorize from time to time. The Inspector, his deputies and assistants, shall be known as the "Talbot County Alcoholic Beverages Inspector" or "Inspector." After appointment, an Inspector shall serve at-will, and may be discharged by the County Manager at any time with or without cause.
The budget for alcoholic beverages inspections and Code enforcement shall be set by the Council in the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance.
The Inspector shall report to the Department of Administrative Services.
An Inspector shall not have been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude.
A person may not qualify nor continue service as an Inspector if the Inspector or the Inspector's immediate family has any personal or financial interest, either directly or indirectly, in any license, licensee, or in any premises licensed under the provisions of this chapter, or in any business wholly or partially devoted to the manufacture, distribution, or sale of alcoholic beverages.
An Inspector may not, during the entire term of his appointment, hold any other public office, federal, state or local.
Furnish bond in the penalty sum of $10,000 to the Board and the County Council jointly, conditioned "that the Inspector shall well and faithfully execute the office of Talbot County Alcoholic Beverages Inspector in all things appertaining thereto." The cost of the bond shall be paid by the County.
Licensee licensed under the provisions of this chapter or the alcoholic beverage laws of the State of Maryland.
Transact any business of any kind whatsoever beyond their official duties with any licensee, or in connection with the operation of any establishment licensed for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of alcoholic beverages.
Own any stock in any corporation which has any interest, proprietary or otherwise, direct or indirect, in any premises where alcoholic beverages are manufactured, distributed, or sold or in any business wholly or partially devoted to the manufacture, distribution, or sale of alcoholic beverages.
Violations, either observed or reported.
Such other duties regarding administration and enforcement of Chapter 11, Talbot County Code, Alcoholic Beverages, as the County Manager may prescribe from time to time.
No person or corporation engaged in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages, nor any licensee licensed under the provisions of this chapter, including any agent or employee of that person, corporation, or licensee, either directly or indirectly, may offer to pay any commission, profit, or remuneration, or make any gift to any commissioner, alcoholic beverages inspector, or employee of the Board or to anyone on behalf of that commissioner, inspector, or employee of the Board, nor may any commissioner or employee of the Board solicit or receive, directly or indirectly, any such commission, profit, remuneration, or gift whatsoever. Upon a finding of a violation of this section by a licensee, the license shall be revoked. Upon a finding of a violation of this section by any other person on behalf of or concerning any license or licensee, the license shall be revoked unless the Board shall find that said action was unauthorized, in which case the license shall be suspended for a period of not less than 30 days nor more than one year.
The Alcoholic Beverages Inspector, and his duly authorized deputies or assistants, any peace officer of the county, and any peace officer of the town in which the premises are located, or any of them, shall be fully authorized to inspect and search, without warrant, at all hours, any building and premises in which any alcoholic beverages are authorized to be kept, transported, manufactured, or sold under a license or permit issued under the provisions of this chapter, and any evidence discovered during any such inspections shall be admissible in any prosecution for the violation of the provisions of this chapter, and in any hearing for revocation, suspension, or restriction of the alcoholic beverage license or permit. Any alcoholic beverages taken as evidence shall be returned to the license or permit holder if he be adjudged not guilty; otherwise they shall be sold to license holders, turned over to state institutions for medicinal use, or destroyed. Receipts from such sales shall be credited to the general fund of the County.
Appeals from decisions of the Board shall be to the Circuit Court for Talbot County, in accordance with the Maryland Rules of Procedure applicable to administrative appeals.
The decision approving, suspending, revoking, restricting, or refusing to approve, suspend, revoke or restrict any license or licensee shall be subject to appeal in the manner provided in this section.
By the submission of a written document that was introduced at the hearing.
Court costs. The Clerk of the Circuit Court, before docketing an appeal, shall first collect, from the person or persons so appealing, all court costs and a statement from the Board that the costs for getting records and transcripts of proceedings of the hearing before the Board have been paid. Costs may not be assessed against the Board.
Upon the hearing of such appeal, the action of the Board shall be presumed by the court to be proper and to best serve the public interest. The burden of proof shall be upon the petitioner to show that the decision complained of was against the public interest and that the Board's discretion in rendering its decision was not honestly and fairly exercised, or that such decision was arbitrary, or procured by fraud, or unsupported by any substantial evidence, or was unreasonable, or that such decision was beyond the powers of the Board and was illegal. The case shall be heard by the court without the intervention of a jury. If in the opinion of the court it is impracticable to determine the question presented to the court, in the case on appeal, without the hearing of additional evidence, or if in the opinion of the court any qualified litigant has been deprived of the opportunity to offer evidence, or if the interests of justice otherwise require that further evidence should be taken, the court may hear such additional testimony to such extent and in such manner as may be necessary or may remand the case to the Board for that purpose.
In such actions of appeal the Board may be represented by its attorney.
The Board's decision shall be affirmed, modified, reversed, or remanded to the Board. Costs shall be awarded as in other civil cases.
Further appeals. Further appeals shall be governed by the provisions of Article 2B, § 16-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Municipalities within Talbot County may restrict the retail sale of alcoholic beverages within their respective jurisdictions through adoption of local zoning ordinances. Enforcement of any ordinance so enacted shall be the responsibility of the municipality.
Any law enacted by the Talbot County Council pursuant to the grant of express powers in Article 25, § 3(ee), or Article 2B, § 18-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, shall prevail over any provision of the Code of Public General Laws of Maryland regulating the retail sale of alcoholic beverages. However, unless and until the Talbot County Council enacts a law which is contrary to a provision of the Code of Public General Laws regulating the retail sale of alcoholic beverages, the provisions of the Code of Public General Laws shall remain in effect.

References: § 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11

§ 11
 § 18
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 18
 § 3
 § 13
 § 159
 § 11
 § 11
 § 11
 § 16
 § 3
 § 18