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 Monday, March 18th, 2024, The Board announced the publication of its proposed 2024 Alcoholic Beverages Rules and Regulations as well as its 2024 Adult Entertainment Rules and Regulations, and formally opened the 30 days public comment as required by both state and local law. The Alcoholic Beverages Rules and Regulations, based on and guided by State law, were previously posted for 30 days in August of 2023. The current version reflects any feedback incorporated during that initial comment period. Copy of the BLLC Rules & Regulations

The Adult Entertainment Rules and Regulations are required by Baltimore City Code, and therefore the draft rules were published in the Code of Baltimore Regulations Annotated Register (COBRA) on Friday, March 15, 2024. They can be accessed on the COBRA website.  

The public may submit comments on both sets of draft Rules and Regulations to the designated BLLC Email. At 11:59 pm on April 17th, 2024, the BLLC will close the comment period to the public and review all suggested amendments, modifications, and additions to the proposed rules and regulations. Upon receipt and review of the comments regarding the proposed Rules and Regulations, the Board will make a determination as to the final version of its proposed rules and regulations to be adopted at the April 18th hearing of the Board.

Copy of the Press Release


Press Release: On Friday, February 16, 2024 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) will be moving its offices to 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2300, Baltimore, MD 21202, and will close its office currently located at 1 N. Charles St., Suite 1500, Baltimore, MD 21201, at 12:30pm to facilitate the moving process.

Effective Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. the BLLC will be open for business to the public to conduct all regularly scheduled business at its new offices located at to 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2300.

Copy of Press Release


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.

Copy of the Press Release


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. 

Copy of the Press Release


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.

Copy of Press Release


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