Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 22-2501 - Allowing consumption, possession, or transfer of alcoholic beverages(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and otherwise provided in this article, a person may not knowingly allow the consumption, possession, or transfer of alcoholic beverages in an establishment that is a restaurant, tavern, hotel, club, dance studio, disco, or place of public entertainment if: (1) the establishment is not licensed by the Board;(2) the person possesses or controls the establishment as owner, lessee, or user; and(3) the establishment is: (i) open to the public or licensed by the State; or(ii) licensed by the State or a county unit other than the Board.(b)(1) The prohibition under subsection (a) of this section does not apply to: (i) the room of a registered guest in a hotel, motel, or hospice; or(ii) the property of:1. a volunteer fire company;2. a catering establishment;3. a community or civic association;5. a social, civic, nonprofit, charitable, fraternal, patriotic, educational, or public service organization; or6. a religious institution that has been in existence for at least 3 years.(2) The Board may exempt a place similar to one listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection on a case-by-case basis.(3) The Board shall adopt regulations to administer this subsection.(c) An owner, a manager, or an employee of an establishment subject to the prohibitions of this section who knowingly allows the prohibited consumption in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.Added by 2016 Md. Laws, Ch. 41, Sec. 2, eff. 7/1/2016.