Press Reslease: On July 29, 2020 Governor Lawrence J. Hogan issued Executive Order 20-07-29-01, which requires Face Coverings to be worn by all individuals over the age of five (5) years.

Copy of Governor Hogan's Executive Order 20-07-29-01.
Copy of the BLLC's Guidance Document concerning Executive Order 20-07-29-01

Announcement: On December 10, 2020 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) released guidance for Baltimore City’s licensed establishments concerning Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s Mayoral Executive Order Restricting Gatherings and Indoor and Outdoor Dining issued on December 9, 2020, which becomes effective on December 11, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

Copy of Mayor Scott’s Executive Order
Copy of the BLLC’s Guidance

Announcement: On November 20, 2020 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued revised guidance for Baltimore City’s licensed establishments concerning Governor Lawrence J. Hogan’s Executive Order Amending and Restating the Order of November 10, 2020, Regulating Certain Businesses and Facilities and Generally Requiring Use of Face Coverings, in light of Baltimore City Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s Mayoral Executive Order further clarifying guidance concerning the operation of Restaurants and Bars for Indoor and Outdoor Dining effective on November 12, 2020.

This amended guidance reflects the State-wide closure time of 10:00 pm for indoor and outdoor dining, which goes into effect Friday, November 20, at 5:00 pm.

Copy of the BLLC’s Guidance to licensed establishments in Baltimore City

Announcement:  Information from Mayor Young in regards to the Mayor’s Outdoor Seating Heating Solutions Program

Announcement: On November 12, 2020 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued revised guidance concerning the revised limitations on indoor consumption of alcoholic beverages and food at Restaurants and Bars, which is effective at 5:00 pm on November 12 2020, in light of Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s Executive Order issued on November 12, 2020.

Copy of the BLLC’s Guidance to licensed establishments in Baltimore City
Copy of Mayor Young’s Executive Order issued on November 12, 2020

Announcement: As per Alcoholic Beverages 12-1804.2 (c), the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) is authorized to adopt regulations concerning the requirement of surveillance systems for Class A, Class A-2, and Class A-7 Licenses. On September 22, 2020, the BLLC published for public review and comment a copy of these regulations. On October 22, 2020, the BLLC closed the comment period, reviewed all comments and suggestions, and incorporated new language into the regulations. These regulations detail the authority of the BLLC to require affected licensed establishments to install digital surveillance cameras on the exterior and interior of their premises, maintain video recordings to be accessed upon request by the Baltimore City Police Department, post conspicuous notification to the public that they are subject to 24-hour video surveillance when on-premises, register their digital surveillance cameras with the City of Baltimore, and subject them to annual verification by the BLLC. Additionally, there is provision for a temporary waiver process to license holders who purchased and installed non-compliant equipment systems for one year, after January 1, 2021. The Board voted and approved these regulations during the December 1, 2020 hearing concerning the requirement of surveillance systems for Class A, Class A-2, and Class A-7 Licenses.

Press release announcing the adoption of the regulations
Final version of the Class "A" Regulations

Announcement: On September 9, 2020, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued guidance for Baltimore City’s licensed establishments concerning Baltimore City Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s Mayoral Executive Order allowing for Partial Reopening Pursuant to Phase II in light of Executive Order 20-09-01-01 issued by Governor Lawrence J. Hogan and Maryland Department of Health Order 2020-09-01-01 issued by Secretary Robert R. Neall.

Copy of Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s Executive Order
Copy of the BLLC’s Guidance Document

Announcement: On September 4, 2020, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued guidance to its licensed establishments concerning Baltimore City Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s Mayoral Executive Order allowing for the Partial Reopening of Restaurants and Bars for Indoor and Outdoor Dining and Gatherings issued on August 7, 2020 in light of Executive Order 20-09-01-01 issued by Governor Lawrence J. Hogan and Maryland Department of Health Order 2020-09-01-01 issued by Secretary Robert R. Neall.

Copy of the BLLC’s Guidance document
Copy of the Maryland Department of Health’s Order
Copy of Mayor Young’s Executive Order, which was issued on August 7, 2020

Announcement: On August 7, 2020, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued guidance to its licensed establishments concerning Baltimore City Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s Mayoral Executive Order allowing for the Partial Reopening of Restaurants and Bars for Indoor and Outdoor Dining and Gatherings.

Copy of the BLLC’s Guidance Document
Copy of the Baltimore City Department of Health’s Guidance Document
Copy of Mayor Young’s Executive Order, which was issued on August 7, 2020

Announcement: On July 23, 2020 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued revised guidance concerning the prohibition on indoor consumption of alcoholic beverages and food at Restaurants and Bars, which is effective at 5:00 pm on July 24, 2020, in light of Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s Executive Order issued on July 22, 2020.

BLLC’s guidance to licensed establishments in Baltimore City
Mayor Young’s Executive Order issued on July 22, 2020
Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa’s Directive & Order Regarding Face Coverings in Public issued on July 22, 2020
Mayor Young’s Order issued on June 29, 2020
Maryland Health Department’s Order issued on June 12, 2020

Announcement: As per Alcoholic Beverages Article 12-1804.2(c), the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) is authorized to adopt rules and regulations relating to digital surveillance concerning new requirements that affect Class A, Class A-2, and Class A-7 Licenses within the City of Baltimore. With publication of these proposed rules and regulations on this day, September 22, 2020, the BLLC is providing 30 days for public comment concerning its draft. These rules and regulations detail the authority of the BLLC to require affected licensed establishments to install digital surveillance cameras on the exterior and interior of their premises, maintain video recordings to be accessed upon request by the Baltimore City Police Department, post conspicuous notification to the public that they are subject to 24-hour video surveillance when on-premises, register their digital surveillance cameras with the City of Baltimore, and subject them to annual verification by the BLLC. The draft also outlines a temporary waiver process to license holders who purchased and installed non-compliant equipment systems for one year, after January 1, 2021. If you want to provide public comment on the BLLC's Rules and Regualations, please email Deputy Executive Secretary, Thomas Akras.

Copy of Senate Bill 69 (which provided the Board with the authority to draft these rules and regulations)
Copy of the Draft Rules and Regulations
Copy of a signage example (required by the rules and regulations)
Copy of the affidavit of compliance, (required by the rules and regulations)

Announcement: On May 15th, 2020 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued and implemented the 2020 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Manual. The Board takes seriously its obligation to ensure that the agency’s policies and procedures are replicating best practices and are compliant with the law. 
 
This year the BLLC worked to develop and improve upon the 2019 SOPs by incorporating recommendations made within the Office of Legislative Audits 2020 Performance Audit of the BLLC. To this end, the Board expanded upon the SOPs from 2019 to include policies and procedures in 2020 that address the following areas:

• Revised Financial Disclosure and Conflicts of Interests Policy
• Revised Policies concerning agency review and notice of new and transfer applications
• Revised Policies concerning Hardship Requests, Transfer Hardship Requests, and Requests to Reopen
• New Reissuance of Class BD7 and Class A-7 Licenses Policy
• New CIAA – Related Promoter’s Event Permit Policy
• New Training Policies and Procedures for newly hired Inspectors
• New Inspections Expectations, Tracking, and Back Check Inspection Policies
• New Approval Pathway Process for Routine and Compliance Inspections Policy
• Revised Violation Review and Charging Process Policy
• New 311 Response Policy
• Updated Community Engagement Policy, including CommunityStat Reporting

Copy of the 2020 SOPs

Press Release: On May 14, 2020, the Office of Legislative Audits (OLA) for the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) issued its 2020 Performance Audit Report (2020 Audit) for the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) to the general public. In his letter addressed to the Joint Audit Committee of the Maryland General Assembly relating to the release of the 2020 Audit, Legislative Auditor Mr. Gregory Hook stated that the “BLLC made significant improvements in addressing the conditions noted in [the OLA’s] preceding audit of the BLLC, with only one of the prior findings repeated” in the 2020 Audit of the BLLC. Mr. Hook further acknowledged the BLLC’s “willingness to address the audit issues and to implement appropriate corrective actions” through its implementation of new “Standard Operating Policies and Procedures” and “management oversight processes that allowed for consistency and accountability.”

To view the Office of Legislative Audits’ 2020 Performance Audit Report for the BLLC and the agency’s response, please visit the OLA’s website.

Copy of the BLLC’s Press Release regarding the 2020 Performance Audit

Announcement: On May 28, 2020 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued guidance to licensed establishments in Baltimore City concerning Maximum Occupancy and outdoor table service in light of Executive Order Number 20-05-27-01 issued by Governor Lawrence J. Hogan on May 27, 2020.

Copy of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-05-27-01
Copy of the BLLC’s Guidance to licensed establishments concerning Maximum Occupancy and outdoor table service

Announcement: On April 6, 2020, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued guidance concerning the authorization of Remote Notarizations as it relates to filing various applications with the BLLC to ensure compliance with Executive Order Number 20-03-30-04 issued by Governor Lawrence J. Hogan on March 30, 2020.

Copy of the BLLC’s Guidance
Copy of Governor Hogan’s Executive Order concerning Remote Notarizations

Announcement: On April 15, 2020, Executive Order Number 20-04-15-01 issued by Governor Lawrence J. Hogan that provided guidance to retail establishments concerning the use of Face Coverings and implementation of certain physical distancing measures within such establishments. Please note that this guidance applies to all licensed establishments, including licensed establishments that provide food service,  in the City of Baltimore. We advise all members of the public to call 311 and report any incidents of what they believe to be a violation of this or any other of the Governor’s Orders as it relates to licensed establishments.

Copy of the Governor's Executive Order 20-04-15-01

Announcement: On June 19, 2020 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued guidance concerning Indoor Consumption in light of Mayor Young's Executive Order presented today, which explicitly incorporates the restrictions as stipulated by Executive Order 20-06-10-01 issued by Governor Lawrence J. Hogan on June 10, 2020.

Copy of the BLLC’s guidance
Copy of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-06-10-01

Announcement: On March 23, 2020, Governor Lawrence J. Hogan issued Executive Order 20-03-23-01 requiring all non-essential businesses in Maryland to cease operations at 5 pm on March 23, 2020. Upon review of the Executive Order and Interpretive Guidance from the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel, establishments that are licensed by the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) are considered essential businesses and thus not required to cease operations as per this Executive Order.

The BLLC reminds all licensed establishments to follow the revised guidance issued to licensed establishments in Baltimore City concerning carry out and delivery procedures for alcoholic beverage service on March 22, 2020.

Governor Hogan’s Executive Order 20-03-23-01
Interpretative Guidance from the Office of Legal Counsel
BLLC’s guidance to licensed establishments: Carry-out and delivery procedures for alcoholic beverage service

Press Release: On March 30, 2020, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) canceled its public hearings scheduled for the month of April of 2020 out of concern for the health and well-being of the general public and BLLC staff arising from COVID-19.

Copy of the Press Release

Press Release: On Monday, March 23, 2020, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) announced updated precautions it is undertaking to ensure the safety of the general public and BLLC employees in light of Baltimore City Health Department recommendations regarding “social distancing” due to COVID-19. 

Copy of the press release

Announcement: On March 22, 2020, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued revised guidance to licensed establishments in Baltimore City concerning carry out and delivery procedures for alcoholic beverage service in light of Governor Lawrenc-e J. Hogan’s Executive Order published on March 16, 2020.

Copy of the Revised Guidance
Copy of the Governor's Press Release

Announcement: On March 22, 2020, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued revised guidance to licensed establishments in Baltimore City concerning carry out and delivery procedures for alcoholic beverage service in light of Governor Lawrence J. Hogan’s Executive Order published on March 16, 2020.

Revised Guidance in English
Revised Guidance in Spanish
Revised Guidance in Korean

Press Release: On March 20, 2020, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) notified Governor Lawrence J. Hogan’s Office that, after finding that the action(s) described herein will not endanger the public health, welfare, or safety, the BLLC decided to suspend the effect of all legal and procedural deadlines, due dates, time of defaults, time expiration, and periods of time as State law affecting renewal application deadlines and late fees, Protest of Renewal petitions, pending transfer applications, and other such matters effective March 12, 2020.

Copy of the BLLC’s Press Release
Copy of the letter sent by the BLLC to the Governor’s Office

Press Release: As per Governor Lawrence J. Hogan’s Executive Order, effective March 16, 2020, at 5:00 pm all restaurants, bars, taverns, and other similar establishments within the State, including Baltimore City, shall cease and desist from selling food and beverages for on-premises consumption to the general public.

Copy of the Press Release
Copy of the Governor's Press release

Press Release: On March 18, 2020, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued additional guidance to licensed establishments in Baltimore City concerning carry out and delivery procedures for alcoholic beverage service in light of Governor Lawrence J. Hogan’s Executive Order published on March 16, 2020.

Full Press Release
Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel - additional interpretative guidance on Governor’s Executive Order (March 16, 2020)

Press Release: On March 18, 2020, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) canceled its public hearings scheduled for March 26, 2020 out of concern for the health and well-being of the general public and BLLC staff arising from COVID-19.

Copy of the Press Release

Press Release: Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) announces new precautions it is undertaking during the 2020 renewal season to ensure the safety of the general public and BLLC employees in light of Baltimore City Health Department recommendations regarding “social distancing” due to COVID-19.

Copy of the Press Release

Announcement: The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) will be accepting, but not processing new, transfer, or expansion applications during the month of April of 2020. The BLLC will still accept and process Hardship Extension Requests and Requests to Reopen during April of 2020. Starting May 1, 2020 – the beginning of the new license year – the agency shall only accept BLLC 2020-2021 applications submitted to the agency. The agency shall no longer accept and process BLLC 2019-2020 applications starting on May 1, 2020. Below is a list of the BLLC 2020-2021 applications:

• New and Transfer Application 
• Financial Form Application 
• One Day Application 
• One Day Non-Profit Beer Festival 
• Substitute Application 
• Wine Corkage and Growler Fee Application 
• Delivery Registration Form 
• Pub Tour Promoter’s Permit 

Please note that all of these documents are fillable PDF documents. Starting on May 1, 2020 these applications will replace the BLLC 2019-2020 applications on its website and within its office. Lastly, the BLLC will not begin to accept and process BLLC 2020-2021 applications until May 1, 2020. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this announcement, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 410-396-4377.

Announcement: On December 2, 2019, Chairman Albert J. Matricciani Jr. of the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) announced the Board’s meeting dates for the first quarter of 2020. They are listed below:

• January: 2nd, 9th and 23rd
• February: 6th, 13th and 27th
• March: 12th and 26th

Please note, that on February 27, 2020 the Board will hold an evening hearing from 5pm to 7pm.

Announcement: To provide additional guidance to licensed establishments within the City of Baltimore, the BLLC requests that all applicable licensees adhere to the following guidelines to ensure compliance with Governor Hogan’s Executive Order issued on March 16, 2020.

List of guidelines from BLLC
Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel - additional interpretative guidance on Governor’s Executive Order (March 16, 2020)

Announcement: On March 12, 2020 the Department of Transportation (DOT) revoked Special Event Permits across the City related to events wherein an estimated 250 persons or more are expected to attend for reasons related to the recent outbreak of COVID-19. Due to the revocation of these permits, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for the City of Baltimore (BLLC) has revoked all liquor license permits – which were issued for March 14, 2020/St. Patrick’s Day Event Festivities – associated with special events where expected participation was 250 persons or more.

Please see the list of canceled events below :

• St. Patrick’s Canton Celebration on O’Donnell Square – 3/13/2020 & 3/14/2020
• The Shamrock Crawl in Fells Point – 3/14/2020
• The Irish Stroll Pub Crawl in Federal Hill – 3/14/2020
• Delia Foley’s Block Party – 3/14/2020
• Baltimore’s Saint Patrick’s Day 5k – 3/14/2020

In addition, we would ask all of our licensees and stakeholders to review the Baltimore City Health Department COVID-19 Guidance for Mass Gatherings which can be seen here. We encourage all of our licensees and stakeholders to follow these recommended guidelines to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the citizens of Baltimore City.

Announcement: As per Alcoholic Beverages Article 12-1102.2 (g), the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) is authorized to adopt rules and regulations concerning the Related Event Promoter’s Permit for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. On January 24, 2020 the BLLC published for public review and comment a copy of these rules and regulations. On February 23, 2020, the BLLC closed the comment period, reviewed all comments and suggestions, and incorporated new language into the rules and regulations. This new language was reviewed and approved by the Law Department on February 27, 2020. These rules and regulations detail the authority of the BLLC to accept, review, process, and issue promoter permits to promoters or license holders within the City of Baltimore who wish to promote and sell tickets to at least 75 individuals for CIAA related events. In addition, these rules and regulations also outline all permits, fees, and penalties that promoters and license holders will be subject to if they wish to hold a Related Event during the CIAA Tournament. The Board voted and approved these Rules & Regulations during the February 27, 2020 hearing.

Final version of the Related Event Promoter’s Permit Rules & Regulations for the CIAA tournament

Press Release: On February 10, 2020 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued its inaugural Welcome Packet for the purposes of educating its licensees and improving their compliance with State laws and BLLC Rules and Regulations.

Copy of the Press Release

Announcement: On March 1, 2020 the alcoholic beverages license renewal process for the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) begins. As per State law, the license renewal season ends on March 31, 2020. Renewal letters, 2020 Renewal Applications, and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet have been sent out to all alcoholic beverage licensees. The renewal application, along with the FAQ sheet, and other applicable renewal documents, can be located and downloaded from the BLLC’s Renewal Webpage.

Press Release: Please see the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) FY 2020 6-Month CommunityStat Summary Report. 

Copy of the 2020 6-Month Report

Announcement: As per Alcoholic Beverages Article 12-1102.2 (g), the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) is authorized to adopt rules and regulations concerning the Related Event Promoter’s Permit for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. With publication of these proposed rules and regulations on this day, January 24, 2020, the BLLC is providing 30 days for public comment concerning its draft. These rules and regulations detail the authority of the BLLC to accept, review, process, and issue promoter permits to promoters or license holders within the City of Baltimore who wish to promote and sell tickets to at least 75 individuals for CIAA related events. The draft rules and regulations also outline all permits, fees, and penalties that promoters and license holders will be subject to if they wish to hold a Related Event during the CIAA Tournament.

Copy of the Announcement
Copy of the Draft Rules and Regulations
Copy of the Application