2023 Press Releases

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.


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.

Copy of the Guidance Document


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: The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) would like to remind all stakeholders about the recent end of the 2023 License Renewal period. In order for a licensed establishment to operate legally, renewals must have been processed and a new license displayed on premises by May 1st. BLLC will continue to monitor for compliance and actively address any licensed establishments that have not yet completed the process.

ANY LICENSEE NOT DISPLAYING A VALID LICENSE WILL BE POSTERED BY BLLC INSPECTORS AS CLOSED TO ALCOHOL SALES UNTIL THE RENEWAL PROCESS IS COMPLETED.

Licensees and the general public can read more in the full Press Release


Announcement: On March 1, 2023, 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, 2023. Renewal letters, 2023 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 downloaded from the BLLC’s Renewal Webpage.


Press Release: The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (“Board”) announced the publication of its proposed 2023 Rules and Regulations at today’s hearing, June 29th, and formally opened the comment period for at least 30 days for public comment as required by Maryland Code. Alc. Bev. Art. 12-210(d) requires the Board to review its regulations to ensure that the regulations comply with the current policies and practices of the Board; and federal, State, and local law.

The public comment period has closed. 


The Board will be in recess until August 24th. For more information, please check our the Hearing Schedules page of our website.


Press Release: The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (“Board”) announced the publication of its proposed 2023 Rules and Regulations at today’s hearing, June 29th, and formally opened the comment period for at least 30 days for public comment as required by Maryland Code. Alc. Bev. Art. 12-210(d) requires the Board to review its regulations to ensure that the regulations comply with the current policies and practices of the Board; and federal, State, and local law.

The public may submit comments by email to Deputy Executive Secretary Nicholas Blendy, using email address Nicholas.Blendy3@baltimorecity.gov. At 11:59 pm on August 10th, 2023, 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 a future hearing of the Board.

Copy of the Press Release
Copy of the proposed draft of the Alcoholic Beverages Rules & Regulations
Copy of the proposed draft of the Adult Entertainment Rules & Regulations


Press Release: The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) would like to remind all stakeholders about the 2023 License Renewal period. Since the deadline of March 31st, renewal applications will continue to incur a late fee of $50 per day. In order for a licensed establishment to operate legally, it is imperative that renewals be processed and a new license be displayed on premises by May 1st.

ANY LICENSEE NOT DISPLAYING A VALID LICENSE ON OR AFTER MAY 1ST WILL BE POSTERED BY BLLC INSPECTORS AS CLOSED TO ALCOHOL SALES UNTIL THE RENEWAL PROCESS IS COMPLETED.

Licensees and the general public can read more in the full Press Release