Maryland 2022 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB1307

Introduced
2/11/22  

Caption

Howard County - Alcoholic Beverages - Repeal of Petition of Support Requirement Ho. Co. 15-22

Impact

By eliminating the petition of support requirement, HB1307 potentially streamlines the path to obtaining an alcoholic beverages license, which could encourage more businesses to apply for such licenses in Howard County. This legislative change may lead to an increase in the number of establishments serving alcoholic beverages, thereby boosting local economy activities related to food and drink service sectors. Supporters argue that this will promote local entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Summary

House Bill 1307 aims to modify the process of obtaining an alcoholic beverages license in Howard County, Maryland. The bill specifically repeals the requirement for applicants to submit a petition of support signed by a certain number of residents. This requirement previously mandated that ten residents, who were owners of real estate and registered voters in the precinct where the business would operate, sign a statement supporting the applicant. The bill is designed to simplify the application process for licenses related to the sale of alcoholic beverages and alleviate potential barriers for applicants.

Contention

While the bill may be seen as a positive step towards easing regulations for potential business owners, it may also raise concerns among residents regarding community involvement in the licensing process. Critics may argue that removing the petition requirement diminishes the ability of community members to influence local decision-making about businesses that could impact their neighborhoods. The balance between local governance and facilitating business operations is at the center of the discussions surrounding this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MD HB218

Howard County - Alcoholic Beverages - Repeal of Petition of Support Requirement Ho. Co. 12-23

MD HB1212

Howard County – Alcoholic Beverages Licenses – Residency Requirements Ho. Co. 16–22

MD HB158

Howard County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Residency Requirements Ho. Co. 11-23

MD HB1234

Frederick County - Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2022

MD HB840

Howard County Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2022 Ho. Co. 13-22

MD HB258

Caroline and Queen Anne's Counties - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Residency Requirement

MD SB648

Frederick County - Senator Ronald Young Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2022

MD HB1308

Howard County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Notifications Ho. Co. 14-22

MD SB393

Carroll County – Alcoholic Beverages Licenses – Residency Requirement

MD HB558

Carroll County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Residency Requirement

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.