Alcohol and Beverage Licensing Lawyer in Baltimore, MD
Hotels, restaurants, taverns, arenas, and even non-profits need to apply for an alcohol license when they wish to sell liquor, beer, or wine on their premises. It starts with an application that must adhere to zoning compliance, public notice requirements, and community approval, and ends with documentation dictating exactly what type of sales and alcohol you will have on premises.
Many owners and managers are not anticipating the lengthy process a liquor license in Maryland requires. One incorrect document can delay the process by weeks or even months. You want to avoid unexpected costs, denials, returns, and delays as much as possible.
A licensing attorney in Maryland can help. At Saller Law, we understand the complex process you are up against. Our consultation and guidance can ensure you are prepared, your documents are in order, and you don’t face any delays. Plus, if you’re already dealing with a liquor license appeal, we can jump in to assist.
Get expert knowledge with a keen professional eye. Our licensing lawyer team in Baltimore can help with alcohol licensing, liquor licensing, and liquor licensing appeals in Maryland.
Why Work with Saller Law Licensing Attorneys
Avoid Delays
Due to missing documentation, deadlines, incorrect licensing types, community opposition, and more
Community Preparedness
Learn the most common opposition you will receive from the community and how to handle public concerns at your hearing
Proper Documentation
Incorrect paperwork can instantly cause delays for months or a denial of your application; let our legal team ensure your application is in order
Fast, Friendly Legal Guidance
We are experts at handling liquor license applications in Maryland; get in touch with questions and concerns and always know the status of your application
Liquor License Types
Before applying for a liquor license, you need to identify the liquor license type for your business. These vary by establishment, consumption on premises or sales only, and types of alcohol being sold.
If you apply for the incorrect liquor license, you could face delays or even denials that will require an appeal or reapplication. Consult with our licensing lawyers to know exactly what your business needs to avoid legal issues with your liquor license.
Below are a few of the most popular liquor license types, but there are over 20 liquor licenses that take into consideration hours of operation, income from alcohol vs food, and other operating factors.
Beer and Wine Alcohol Licenses
Class A: No consumption on premises, the sale of packaged goods only. Allows for sales 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday, no Sundays, 6 am to midnight. Businesses may apply for a special license issued for each Sunday between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day.
Class B: Restaurants, 7 days a week, 6 am to 2 am.
Class C: Non-profit private clubs, 7 days a week, 6 am to 2 am.
Class D: Taverns, 7 days a week, 6 am to 1 am.
Beer, Wine, and Liquor Licenses
Class A: No consumption on premises, the sale of packaged goods only. Allows for sales 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday, no Sundays, 6 am to midnight. Businesses may apply for a special license issued for each Sunday between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day.
Class A-2: Same as a Class A, except sales begin at 9 am.
Class B: Class B can apply to restaurants, arenas, hotels and motels with over 100 rooms, and racing establishments. Sales are allowed 7 days a week, 6 am to 2 am.
Class C: Non-profit private clubs, 7 days a week, 6 am to 2 am.
Class D: Taverns, 6 days a week, no Sunday sales, 6 am to 1 am.
Class BD-7: Taverns, 7 days a week, 6 am to 2 am.
The Process of Obtaining a Liquor License in Maryland
Step 1: Identify the Appropriate License
You must select the right license for your venue, alcohol sales, hours of operation, and on- or off-premises consumption.
Because of the variations in bars, taverns, liquor vs beer and wine, and hours of operation, many business owners can get confused about which license they need for their business.
Step 2: Zoning Permits
There are restrictions in Maryland on sales of alcohol and liquor near homes, schools, and churches.
Many alcohol license applications immediately see delays or issues because they are not aware of their proximity to these locations and the restrictions imposed by the liquor board.
Be sure you can get your zoning permit before starting the application process. If you are unsure, contact Saller Law licensing lawyers for a consultation and application preparation.
Step 3: Application and Documentation
Prepare all application paperwork and documentation.
You will need your business registration, tax ID, proof of lease or proper ownership, background checks on business owners, zoning permits, health and safety permits, floor plans, and financial statements.
Step 4: Public Notification
You must post a notice at your business location and an ad in the paper stating you are applying for a liquor or alcohol license.
This must be posted before your liquor license hearing, so community members have the option to attend and voice their concerns or support.
Step 5: Board Hearing
The liquor license board hearing is not a formality. You must discuss your business plan, experience, safety measures, and prevention for alcohol-related problems.
Do not assume no one from the community will attend. Neighbors in the community can voice opposition and if you do not have responses prepared, you will face delays or a denied application.
Step 6: Review and Approval
All submitted documentation will finally be reviewed by the Alcohol Beverage Control to ensure safety, finances, background checks, and other details. At their decision, you will receive notice of approval or denial.
Delays and Setbacks When Applying for a Liquor License
Applying for a liquor license is not as easy as submitting an application to your county. There must be zoning permits, public notices, a community hearing, and more.
Be aware of what complications may arise when applying for an alcohol license in Maryland. Our experienced team of licensing lawyers can help prevent delays due to common issues and guide you past roadblocks.
Documentation
The list of required documents for an alcohol license is long. You need floor plans, tax IDs, financial statements, and so much more. Missing or incorrect documents cause delays, sometimes even incurring repeat submission fees. Do not get lost in the paperwork; let our licensing attorneys ensure everything is correctly filled out and ready for deadlines.
Background Checks & Criminal Records
Owners must have a background check free of criminal activity and charges. If you’re worried about the background checks for your business owners, discuss your history with our licensing lawyers for guidance on how to proceed.
Zoning Permits
Schools, homes, and churches have restrictions on alcohol sales nearby. Talk to our license lawyers for your liquor license to see if there are any modifications you can make to obtain a license or what options are available to you.
Community Hearings
Public notices must be posted in order to obtain a liquor license. If you haven’t posted the notice publicly where the liquor board requested, you could already face delays. Prepare for the community hearing with safety plans, community considerations, and business operation details. Saller Law can help discuss the most common community concerns that arise and how to respond to your neighbors professionally and with solutions.
Filing a Liquor License Appeal
If you have been denied your liquor license in Maryland, you have the right to appeal the decision. A liquor license appeal must be filed within a certain timeframe and through the proper channels. This can vary by county, so contact our Maryland liquor license attorneys at Saller Law for a consult ASAP to begin the process.
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Get Started on Your Liquor License Application Today
Don’t let the liquor license application process scare you away from creating the business you want. Our licensing attorneys in Baltimore are familiar with alcohol and liquor licensing for taverns, bars, hotels, restaurants, and more. We’ve seen it all at community hearings so we can prepare you for whatever comes up.
Get your documentation in order, have a qualified team on your side, and avoid delays or costly fees by doing it right the first time. Invest in your business and contact Saller Law licensing lawyers in Baltimore. A consult call will show you exactly how we can help.
Get in touch today to discuss your liquor license application in Maryland and get the best legal team for assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I work with a liquor licensing attorney in Baltimore, MD?
Working with a liquor licensing attorney helps you avoid delays in the application process, accurately fill out all documents, prepare you for community concerns, and provides knowledgeable legal guidance throughout the entire application process.
What types of liquor licenses are available in Maryland?
Maryland offers over 20 types of beer, wine, and liquor licenses that vary by business type, hours of operation, alcohol sold, and whether consumption is allowed on the premises. Consult with an attorney for the proper license for your business.
What documents are required when applying for a liquor license in Maryland?
You must select the correct license type and provide zoning permits, business registration, tax ID, background checks, proof of lease/ownership, floor plans, financial documentation, and complete public notification before attending a board hearing.
What can cause delays in the liquor license process?
Common issues include incorrect documentation, zoning restrictions near homes, schools, or churches, lack of proper public notice, and community objections raised during the hearing.
Can I appeal a denied liquor license application?
Yes. If your application is denied, you may file a liquor license appeal within a required timeframe, which varies by county. Saller Law can assist you in the appeal process to ensure timely and proper filing.