Update
The Board of Liquor License Commissioners is an agency of the State responsible for regulating the sale, storage, and distribution of retail alcoholic beverages in Baltimore City.
Announcement
Press Release: On Friday, January 12, 2024, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) announced personnel changes for the agency. Effective Tuesday, January 16, 2024, the agency will welcome Michelle Wirzberger, Esq., as the new Deputy Executive Secretary. The Board thanks Nicholas Blendy, Esq., outgoing Deputy Executive Secretary, for his work and commitment in advancing the agency’s goals and efforts.
Ms. Wirzberger comes to the BLLC having most recently served as Chief of Staff to Baltimore Police Department Commissioner Richard Worley. In her time at the BPD, she also served as Director of Legislative Affairs, and prior to that the Chief of the Consent Decree Implementation Unit.
Press Release: The BLLC would like to remind the public and our licensees about the upcoming CIAA Tournament.
If you are a liquor license holder and would like to host a related event with 75 or more people, OR, would like to partner with or have a promoter host a related event with 75 or more people for the CIAA Tournament during the Event, which is scheduled to be held between February 26, 2024, to March 2, 2024, you must follow the Rules and Regulations and use the CIAA Related Event Promoter's Permit Application.
The following items are found on our Applications Process Page:
- CIAA Related Event Promoter's Permit Application
- CIAA Related Event Promoter's Permit Rules & Regulations
Please note that inspectors will issue violations if the process is not followed as outlined. If you have any questions, please contact our office between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm at 410-396-4377.
Announcement: As authorized by the Alcoholic Beverages Article 12-2003(a)(1)(ii) and 12-2004(a)(1)(ii), the holders(s) of a Class "A" Beer & Wine License or a Class "A" Beer, Wine & Liquor License may request a Special Sunday License which allows the license holder(s) to remain open the Sundays that fall between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day. Any Class "A" License holder may apply for these Special Sundays. The establishment may be open between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. only and must conspicuously display the provided Special Sunday License.
Copy of the 2023 Special Sunday License listing
Press Release: On August 25, 2023, the BLLC issued a guidance document for licensees and the general public to answer questions about newly enacted cannabis legislation. Please see the document for the guidance, and direct any further questions to Deputy Executive Secretary Nicholas Blendy, at Nicholas.Blendy3@baltimorecity.gov.
Press Release: Council President Nick J. Mosby appointed Granville Templeton III, Esq., to the Board of Liquor License Commissioners of Baltimore City (Board), to serve a two-year term. Mr. Templeton was administered the oath of office on Wednesday, July 12, by Clerk of the Court Xavier A. Conaway. Per law, the appointment will be considered by the Senate of Maryland for its advice and consent, next session.
Announcement: The BLLC would like to announce a that a drop box is now available so that applicants, attorneys, and others are now able to deliver documents to our office. Please note that aside from the Drop Box option, the BLLC office remains closed to the general public.
Guidelines for Drop Box Use:
-The Drop Box is located outside of the office, accessible for public use as permitted into the building and onto the office floor by building security.
-The Drop Box is available from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
-Deposited items and documents should be NO LARGER THAN STANDARD LETTER SIZE.
-All deposited items MUST BE IN A STANDARD LETTER-SIZED ENVELOPE and should contain a clear description of the item(s) contained therein.
-The Drop Box is available for drop off usage only due to health and safety reasons necessitated by the COVID-19 global health pandemic.
-Members of the public who drop off documents should not wait in the elevator area or in the building generally for a response.
-BLLC is not responsible for any loose items or those without an envelope or clear description of their purpose. Any loose or unidentifiable items—including, but not limited to, single checks, money orders, or other negotiable instruments—will be catalogued and marked for destruction.
Please review further guidelines for processing and receipt of Drop Box items in our Standard Operating Procedures 2.26. For any questions, please contact the offices at 410-396-4377.
See Something Say Something
If you would like to report what you believe to be a liquor board violation, please call 311 to report the matter or call our offices at 410-396-4377 during normal business hours and speak to Chief Inspector John Chrissomallis. Also, note that a Baltimore City Police Department (BCPD) tip line and direct email address has been established for complaints regarding illegal bar activity. You can contact the Vice Unit of the BCPD directly via email or you can call at 443-984-7080.
Addiction Service Access: Do you or someone you know struggle with addiction? Call Baltimore’s 24/7 hotline at 410-433-5175 for help getting treatment. For more information about resources to treat addiction and prevent overdose, please visit the Baltimore City Addiction Website.
Postponement Requests
POSTPONEMENT requests must be received via e-mail, fax, or regular mail.
All postponement requests must be addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Liquor Board Douglas K. Paige and received in this office NO LATER than Monday, 4:30 pm, of the week of the scheduled hearing.
Background
The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City was created by Act of the State Legislature after the repeal of the Volstead Act in 1933. Prior to Prohibition, alcoholic beverage licenses were issued directly by the Clerk of what was then referred to as the Court of Common Pleas. There was little intervention on the part of the public, zoning or other authorities, and alcoholic beverage licenses were routinely issued as in the case of Trader's Licenses, marriage licenses, etc.
When the Volstead Act was repealed, it became apparent that appropriate controls and licensing of alcoholic beverages at the retail level were necessary for the State of Maryland to ensure public safety. Boards of Liquor License Commissioners were, therefore, created in all of the political subdivisions in the State of Maryland by an act of the Maryland General Assembly. Passed in 2016, the Alcoholic Beverages Article is the controlling alcoholic beverage statute for the State of Maryland.
There have been many changes in the law since 1933, and at each session of the Maryland General Assembly, new laws and statutes are introduced and passed which affect the operation of alcoholic beverage establishments in Baltimore City and throughout the State of Maryland.
The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City is an agency of the State. Every two years, the Mayor of Baltimore City and the City Council President, with the advice and consent of the City Senate, appoints three individuals to serve as Commissioners on the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City, one of whom is designated as the Chairman. As a body, the Board administers the statutes, laws, ordinances, and its own Rules and Regulations regarding the operation of alcoholic beverage establishments in Baltimore City. Currently, there are approximately 1,221 alcoholic beverage establishments in Baltimore City which is a reduction from the approximately 2,200 licenses there were in 1968.
Commissioners
- Chairman Hon. Albert J. Matricciani, Jr. (Ret.)
- Commissioner Edward L. Reisinger
- Commissioner Granville Templeton, III, Esq.
- Alternate Commissioner Harvey E. Jones