The effort to maintain a healthy local business environment is a major team effort. Each newsletter this year, we plan to spotlight one of the support organizations that helps provide critical guidance to our community’s businesses. Beyond putting faces to names, we’ll also share some insider tips on how to best take advantage of their resources.
This month, we invite you to:
Meet The Frederick County Liquor Board Staff
The Frederick County Liquor Board staff of seven includes 5 administrative team members and 2 inspectors who, in turn, support Frederick County’s 3 appointed Board Members.
The team works daily to help applicants understand and adhere to the regulations of alcohol sales. Their goal is to make the approval process as straightforward as possible and help maintain clear standards for alcohol service across the County.
The office interacts with a wide range of businesses including liquor stores, restaurants/bars, bowling alleys, event venues & coordinators, and even occasionally barbershops, and golf simulators!
Obtaining a Liquor License
When planning a business or event that includes the sale of liquor in its model, the Liquor Board team encourages you to connect with them as soon as possible and, in the case of a new business, before you sign a purchase agreement. Their team will walk you through the expectations and can provide templates of operating agreements and stock agreements to save you legal costs.
From a timing perspective, businesses/nonprofits applying for Class A, B or C liquor licenses are reminded that Liquor Board Hearings are held just once a month and require agenda items to provide public notice 2 weeks prior to the meeting. Accordingly, the team recommends anticipating a lead time of typically around 45 days for alcohol license approval.
For those organizing a special event that will feature the sale of alcohol (including when alcoholic drinks are included in the price of an event ticket), information on the process to obtain a special “per diem” licenses can be found here.
Training Opportunities
For new and existing businesses, the Liquor Board team is proud to offer Alcohol Beverage License Education (ABLE Training). The class is available for all licensees, managers, employees, and anyone in the alcohol service, and is a review of the laws and regulations that surround having an alcoholic beverage license in Frederick County. The class is approximately 45–60-minute in length and available FREE in person or virtually. Class opportunities are listed on their website.
Alcohol Awareness Training is also required (in varying percentages) for volunteers and employees that are serving alcohol at a business or event. To help local businesses and event planners meet this requirement, Frederick’s Liquor Board has approval from the State of Maryland to offer Alcohol Awareness Classes.
The Alcohol Awareness Training (SAS-Safe Alcohol Service) teaches best practices that encourage responsible drinking and reduce over service and intoxication. Full time license holders are required to have 50% of those serving or selling alcohol to have alcohol awareness training. The fee is $50 per person and certification is good for 4 years and recognized throughout Maryland. Class opportunities are available online here - website.
Helpful Reminders
Dedicated to continuing education for safe and legal practices, the Liquor Board team also publishes a monthly “Educational Bulletin” which highlights recent updates or common challenges faced by licensees.
These helpful bulletins can be viewed here.
A recent reminder pertains to the Sales to Minor Compliance Initiative. As part of this initiative, compliance checks will be conducted randomly at all licensed establishments in Frederick County throughout 2024. The goal is to reduce youth access to alcohol and protect public health, welfare, and safety within our community. These random compliance checks are performed with an underage volunteer, that possess their valid, state-issued driver’s license or identification card, which is provided to every establishment who asks for identification. If the server/clerk asks the individual their age, the volunteer is required to reply truthfully. Businesses are reminded to remain vigilant to the responsibilities of their licenses and help keep our community safe.
Learning More
Most importantly, the Liquor Board team wants current and prospective license holders to know that they are available as resource. Whether you have questions about the application process, regulations, or best-practices, they are happy to lend expert support.
Connect with their team online at: Liquor Board | Frederick County MD - Official Website or call 301-600-2984.