Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 27-2616 - Public nuisance(a) A place where alcoholic beverages are sold in violation of this article or Title 5 of the Tax - General Article is a public nuisance.(b)(1) On conviction of the owner or operator of the place, the place may be closed and the public nuisance may be abated until a $2,000 bond is posted, payable to the State.(2) The bond shall be conditioned on the owner or operator:(i) not selling alcoholic beverages in violation of this article; and(ii) paying all fines, costs, and damages assessed against the owner.(3) If a condition of the bond is violated, the county may bring action against the owner or operator for fines, costs, and damages.(c) If a jury trial is requested or an appeal is taken in a case in which a place is alleged to be a public nuisance, the place shall be closed until the defendant posts a $2,000 bond under the same conditions as those specified under subsection (b) of this section.(d) A person who owns or operates a public nuisance as described in subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to: (1) for a first offense, a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both; and(2) for each subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $2,000 and imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both.Added by 2016 Md. Laws, Ch. 41, Sec. 2, eff. 7/1/2016.