Liquor License Fees Waived By Baltimore County Executive

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — To help liquor license holders, Baltimore County government will waive fees for liquor license holders.

“Our bars and restaurants add to the vibrancy of our communities, and it’s in everyone’s best interests to provide support so that they can weather this storm,” County Executive Johnny Olszewski said.

“We will continue to look for ways to support our residents and key sectors of our economy as we recover from the pandemic and the recession it has caused,” Olszewski said.

License holders must pay for their licenses by May 1 annually, and licenses are good for one year.

The waiver will apply to the following, county officials said Wednesday, March 17:

• Class B – Restaurants. There are 356 restaurant licensees in the County. The annual license fee is $1,500.
• Class C – Non-Profit Clubs. There are 92 club licensees in the County. The annual license fee is $1,000.
• Class D – Taverns. There are 149 tavern licensees in the County. The annual license fee is $1,500.

If licensees do not follow all Baltimore County rules and regulations, including restrictions around coronavirus such as mask and social distancing mandates, the fee waiver will be revoked, officials said.

In addition to providing the waiver, the Olszewski administration reports it has provided several avenues of relief for the hospitality industry:

• It has given more than $16 million in grants to restaurants.
• Baltimore County capped third-party food delivery fees.
• The county allowed liquor license holders to deliver alcoholic beverages from bars and restaurants to county residents.

The county executive also proposed a bill this week to the County Council that would allow more bars and restaurants to host live music.

Related:

• Liquor Delivery Coming: Baltimore County Expediting Licenses
• 2 Perry Hall Restaurants Fined For COVID Violations