2021 Press Releases
Press Release: The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) is issuing a warning to licensees who are closed and not operating, noting that their license may be in danger of expiration if they fail to take action. As of July 1, 2021, all legal orders that suspended license timelines were lifted, which started the clock on a period of 180 days that runs out on December 28th, 2021. If a licensee has not been open since July 1st, their license is at risk of permanent expiration, even if they have renewed for this year.
Copy of Press Release
If you are a licensee that closed during the COVID-19 Pandemic and have not yet reopened, you are urged to contact the BLLC office as soon as possible by calling 410-396-4377.
Announcement: Effective July 1, 2020, HB902, which was passed by during the 2020 Maryland General Assembly session, requires that at the time of a new or transfer application at least one applicant named to the license be a resident of the City of Baltimore. HB902 eliminated the requirement that at least one applicant on a new or transfer application needed to be a registered voter in the City of Baltimore. The requirement that at least one applicant named to the license be a resident of the City of Baltimore applies to the license throughout its duration. To see a copy of our updated New and Transfer Application and Substitute Application, please see our Applications Page.
Press Release: On Thursday, June 11th, 2020 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) voted unanimously to waive fees for Temporary Outdoor Permit Extensions after being granted the authority to do so by Governor Lawrence J. Hogan through his issuance of Executive Order 20-06-11-01 on the same day. The BLLC also released guidance to its licensees on the temporary extensions process to enable the addition of outdoor seating and service in an expedited timeframe.
Copy of the Press Release
Copy of the guidance documents issued to licensees
Copy of the letters issued to licensees
Announcement: On August 6, 2021, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) released guidance for Baltimore City’s licensed establishments concerning the Baltimore City Health Department's updated Order as it establishes an indoor mask mandate.
Copy of the Health Department's Order
Copy of the BLLC’s guidance
Press Release: The BLLC would like to remind the public and our licensees about the upcoming CIAA Tournament.
Liquor license holders that 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 between the dates of Event to be held between February 14, 2022 to February 27, 2022, must follow the Rules and Regulations and use the CIAA Related Event Promoter's Permit Application below and in the Application Process section of our website:
- CIAA Related Event Promoter's Permit Application [PDF]
- CIAA Related Event Promoter's Permit Rules & Regulations [PDF]
- CIAA Related Event Promoter's Permit SOP's [PDF]
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 letter sent to licensees
Announcement: In light of the resurgence in COVID-19 cases, and Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s message regarding the continued importance of following the mask mandate, the BLLC has issued a reminder to our stakeholders and specifically our licensed establishments that the masking order remains in place. The BLLC requests that all applicable licensees continue to adhere to the mask mandate guidelines to ensure compliance with Baltimore City Public Health Order, effective since Monday, August 9, 2021 at 9:00am.
Copy of the Health Department's Order
Copy of the BLLC’s guidance
Announcement: On March 1, 2021, 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, 2021. Renewal letters, 2021 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: On Tuesday, December 8, 2020 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) under the authority granted to it through Executive Order 20-06-19-01, voted unanimously to waive in total all annual renewal alcoholic beverage license fees for the 2020-2021 license period. This action was taken after consultation with the offices of Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young and City Council President Brandon Scott. Further, the Board will lift its suspension of the 2019-2020 license year on December 12, 2020. This will end the 2019-2020 license renewal period effective December 31, 2020.
Copy of the Press Release
Copy of the License fee waiver letter
Announcement: On March 29, 2021, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) notified Governor Lawrence J. Hogan that it will suspend late fees for 30 days for 2021-2022 liquor license renewal applications, from April 1, 2021, to April 30, 2021. Please note that the due dates for the 2021-2022 renewal season have not changed, and *all applications for annual license renewal and all protests of renewal remain due on March 31, 2021*, as required by state law.
Copy of the BLLC’s Letter to Governor Hogan
To see information related to the 2021-2022 license renewal period, please see the BLLC’s Renewal Webpage.
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 2021 Special Sunday License listing
Announcement: In response to the updated Executive Orders from Mayor Brandon M. Scott, aligning Baltimore City with Executive Orders from Governor Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr., the BLLC provides the following additional guidance to our licensees on the current restrictions:
In general, you may resume operating at 100% of your fire marshal rated capacity, both indoor and outdoor.
The following restrictions should be noted and are still mandated by law:
- Staff must continue to wear face coverings at all times.
- Indoor dining patrons must continue to wear face coverings except when eating or drinking.
- For adult entertainment licenses, performers as well as staff must continue to wear face coverings.
Additionally, BLLC reminds you that we are still under a State of Emergency due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Licensees should practice social distancing and encourage patrons to do the same. Finally, licensees should note that Governor Hogan’s most recent Executive Order permits you to continue providing alcoholic beverages in sealed containers for delivery or carryout, assuming you comply with all other legal requirements. These changes take effect Saturday, May 15th, at 12:01 a.m.
Copy of the Governor's Executive Order
Copy of the Governor's Executive Order regarding delivery or carryout of alcoholic beverages
Copy of the Mayor's Executive Order
Press Release: On Monday, January 4, 2021 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) announced personnel changes for the agency. The agency recognizes and thanks Mr. Thomas R. Akras, outgoing Deputy Executive Secretary, and welcomes a new member to the team, Mr. Nicholas T.R. Blendy, as the incoming Deputy Executive Secretary. The BLLC also announced the hiring of Ms. April Bennet-Burman to the role of Inspector I. Please read the full press release with remarks for Mr. Akras and background for Mr. Blendy,
Announcement: On March 25, 2021 the BLLC released guidance for Baltimore City’s licensed establishments concerning Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s Updated Executive Order as it pertains to licensee operations and requirements, which went into effect March 26, 2021, at 6AM.
Copy of Mayor Scott’s Executive Order
Copy of the BLLC’s guidance
Copy of the Contract Tracing Restaurant Sign-In Sheet (provided by the Baltimore City Health Department and Mayor Scott)
Announcement: On March 9, 2021 the BLLC released a statement concerning the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday. In anticipation of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday, the BLLC reminds all our stakeholders that we remain amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic. Pub Craws / Tours remain prohibited and licensees and the public should expect to see an increased presence from the BLLC staff to monitor establishments to ensure they are in compliance with current restrictions. We encourage members of the general public to review the clarifications below, and we also remind licensees of BLLC’s expectations of them in our full release.
Announcement: On March 12, 2021 the BLLC released guidance for Baltimore City’s licensed establishments concerning Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s Updated Executive Order as it pertains to licensee operations and requirements, which went into effect March 12, 2021, at 6am.
This guidance and the Mayor’s Executive Order supersede Governor Hogan’s announcement. The BLLC reminds all our stakeholders that we remain amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic. Additionally, Pub Crawls / Tours remain prohibited and licensees and the public should expect to see an increased presence from the BLLC staff to monitor establishments to ensure they are in compliance with current restrictions.
Copy of Mayor Scott’s Executive Order
Copy of the BLLC’s guidance
Copy of the Contract Tracing Restaurant Sign-In Sheet (provided by the Baltimore City Health Department and Mayor Scott)
Announcement: On March 5, 2021 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) released updated guidance for Baltimore City’s licensed establishments concerning Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s updated Executive Order as it relates to Mayor Scott’s Revised Executive Order and restrictions on indoor and outdoor dining, effective March 5, 2021, at 3pm.
The updated guidance reflects the allowance of adult entertainment live performances, and provides clarification on capacity and inspections expectations for licensees.
Copy of Governor Hogan’s Executive Order
Copy of Mayor Scott’s Executive Order
Copy of the BLLC’s guidance
Copy of the Contract Tracing Restaurant Sign-In Sheet (provided by the Baltimore City Health Department and Mayor Scott)
Announcement: On February 19, 2021 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) released guidance for Baltimore City’s licensed establishments concerning Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s updated Executive Order as it relates to Mayor Scott’s Revised Executive Order and restrictions on indoor and outdoor dining, effective February 22, 2021.
Copy of Governor Hogan’s Executive Order
Copy of Mayor Scott’s Executive Order
Copy of the BLLC’s guidance
Copy of the Contract Tracing Restaurant Sign-In Sheet (provided by the Baltimore City Health Department and Mayor Scott)
Announcement: On February 1, 2021 the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) released guidance for Baltimore City’s licensed establishments concerning Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s updated Executive Order as it relates to Mayor Scott’s Executive Order and restrictions on indoor and outdoor dining.
Copy of Governor Hogan’s Executive Order
Copy of Mayor Scott’s Executive Order
Copy of Mayor Scott's Phase One Flyer
Copy of the BLLC’s guidance
Copy of the Contract Tracing Restaurant Sign-In Sheet (provided by the Baltimore City Health Department and Mayor Scott)
Announcement: On January 21, 2021 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 January 21, 2021, which becomes effective on January 22, 2021 at 6:00 a.m.
Copy of Mayor Scott’s Executive Order
Copy of Mayor Scott's Phase One Flyer
Copy of the BLLC’s guidance
Copy of the Contract Tracing Restaurant Sign-In Sheet (provided by the Baltimore City Health Department and Mayor Scott)
Announcement: On November 9, 2020, Baltimore City Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young announced a new $6.5 million grant fund that will be available, specifically, for restaurants in Baltimore City. This funding is made available by the State of Maryland to help offset COVID-related expenses incurred or to be incurred, by restaurants. The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) will administer these funds and will begin taking applications starting Thursday, November 12 through November 24. These grants will not be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. A portion of the funds will also be used to support the Baltimore Public Markets. The maximum grant award is $50,000.
Full grant criteria, terms and conditions, and the link to the application will be posted at the Baltimore Together Webiste. The intent is to distribute these much-needed grant funds to local restaurants by the end of the calendar year.