Maryland's Beer Buying Laws: What You Need To Know

when can you buy beer in maryland

Maryland has some unique laws regarding the purchase of alcohol, including beer. The state's alcohol distribution is governed by a 1978 law that prohibits alcohol sales licenses to chain and discount stores, and limits licenses to Maryland residents. This means that most grocery, wholesale, pharmacy, and convenience stores are unable to sell beer and other types of alcohol. However, some stores were grandfathered into the 1978 law, so there are exceptions. Additionally, the hours and days during which alcohol can be sold vary by county, with some counties not allowing retail alcohol sales on Sundays.

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Beer can be bought on Sundays in some counties

In Anne Arundel County, licensees are permitted to sell alcoholic beverages at a bar or counter on any day that the sale of alcohol is permitted by law. In Baltimore City, Class B and C licensees are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages at a bar or counter on Sundays. In Baltimore County, Class B and C licensees can also sell alcoholic beverages at a bar or counter on Sundays.

In Caroline County, a Class B and C licensee may sell beer or beer, wine, and liquor on Sundays. The prohibition on selling alcohol at a bar or counter on Sundays specified in paragraph (1) of subsection 5 does not apply in Carroll County. In Prince George's County, Class B and C licensees can sell beer or beer, wine, and liquor at a bar or counter on Sundays when December 24 and 31 fall on a Sunday.

In Washington County, Class A, B, C, and D licensees can sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays from 12 noon to 12 midnight. When a federal holiday falls on a Monday, they can sell alcoholic beverages from 12 noon on the preceding Sunday to 2 am on Monday. In Garrett County, Sunday sales are governed by subsection (b)(5) of this section, § 11-402 of this subtitle, and § 11-512 of this title.

The prohibition on selling alcohol at a bar or counter on Sundays specified in paragraph (1) of subsection 5 does not apply in Charles County. In Talbot County, Class A and B licensees can sell beer on Sundays from 8 am to 10 pm. From 12:30 pm to 10 pm on Sundays, Class B and C licensees can sell beer, and Class B and C licensees can sell beer, wine, and liquor, provided they are consumed on the premises.

In summary, while the sale of beer on Sundays is prohibited in most Maryland counties, several counties do permit it, with varying hours and restrictions.

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Beer can be bought online and delivered

There are several platforms that offer alcohol delivery in Maryland, including Drizly, Instacart, and Minibar Delivery. These services connect you with local retailers and allow you to browse and select your favourite beer, wine, or liquor from the comfort of your home. The orders are typically delivered within 30 to 60 minutes, although delivery times may vary depending on factors such as time of day, order volume, and traffic conditions.

It is important to note that you must be over 21 years old to order alcohol for delivery in Maryland. A valid photo ID is required upon delivery, and delivery personnel are trained to not deliver alcohol items to those who are visibly intoxicated. Additionally, there may be delivery fees and service fees associated with your order, which can vary depending on the platform and your location.

While the convenience of online beer delivery is available in Maryland, it is always a good idea to stay informed about the latest regulations in your county to ensure a smooth and legal transaction.

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You must be 21 to buy beer

In Maryland, you must be 21 or over to buy beer, wine, or spirits. This law applies across the state, although individual counties have different alcohol sales hours and varying rules on Sunday sales.

Maryland has some unique laws regarding the sale of alcohol when compared to its neighbouring states. For example, most grocery stores are not permitted to sell alcohol of any kind due to a 1978 prohibition. However, there are a handful of exceptions to this rule, with some chain stores permitted to sell beer and wine, subject to individual county laws.

Maryland also has specific laws regarding the sale of alcohol to underage people. It is illegal for anyone to purchase alcohol for someone under 21, and those caught selling alcohol to underage people face a fine of between $1,000 and $2,500. However, there are some exceptions to the law for underage possession and consumption. For example, individuals under 21 who work for businesses with a valid liquor license may possess alcohol in the course of their job during regular business hours, such as serving drinks to customers in a restaurant or stocking shelves in a store.

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Beer can be bought from freestanding stores

Firstly, it is important to note that the laws regarding alcohol sales in Maryland vary by county. While most Maryland counties do not allow the sale of alcohol in grocery stores, there are some exceptions. A handful of chain grocery stores are permitted to sell beer and wine due to a grandfather clause in the law. For example, in Montgomery County, certain locations of Giant Food, Safeway, Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, and a few other chains are allowed to sell beer and wine. These stores have been "grandfathered in", meaning they were granted special permission under the law. However, it is important to check the specific regulations in your county, as the laws can vary significantly.

Additionally, Maryland has strict licensing requirements for alcohol sales. Only Maryland residents are eligible to obtain an alcohol sales permit, and each retailer can only hold one license. This means that large chain stores are unable to obtain licenses to sell alcohol, which is why most grocery stores do not sell beer or wine. The state's laws also prohibit the sale of alcohol at most chain stores, with only a limited number of locations permitted to sell beer and wine. These locations are typically wholesale clubs or pharmacies and are subject to county laws.

The hours for alcohol sales also vary by county. In most counties, alcohol can be purchased from Monday to Saturday from 6 am to 2 am, while Sunday sales are more restricted. In some counties, such as Baltimore and Prince George's County, retail alcohol sales are not permitted on Sundays at all. In other counties, Sunday sales may be allowed during specific hours, typically from 8 am to 11 pm, but these hours can vary by store.

It is worth noting that there have been recent efforts to change Maryland's alcohol laws. Proposed legislation, such as the House Bill 996 and Senate Bill 763, sought to expand licensing and allow chain stores to sell beer and wine. These bills aimed to increase convenience for consumers and expand healthy food options in communities. However, these bills did not pass, and the state's alcohol laws remain restrictive.

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Beer cannot be bought from most grocery stores

Maryland's alcohol laws are unique compared to its neighbouring states, and its complex regulations have been described as a "messy hodgepodge". While Maryland's laws restrict the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores, 47 states and Washington D.C. allow grocery stores to sell beer, and 40 states and Washington D.C. allow them to sell wine.

There have been several attempts to change Maryland's alcohol laws. In 2021, House Bill 996 and Senate Bill 763 sought to expand licensing to permit chain stores to sell beer and wine in food retail stores, but the bill did not pass. However, there is growing support for changing the current laws, with polls showing that 73% of Marylanders supported expanded locations for purchasing alcohol in 2020.

Frequently asked questions

No, due to a 1978 statewide prohibition, grocery stores in most Maryland counties don't sell beer. However, a handful of chain stores are among the exceptions.

No, due to local laws and limitations, gas stations in Maryland don't sell beer.

Yes, through sites like Drizly, a limited number of local standalone liquor stores can offer some Maryland residents beer delivered to their door.

Yes, but only at a freestanding alcohol store and this law varies by county. Hours permitted in counties where allowed are 8:00 am - 11:00 pm, but local stores frequently have reduced hours on Sundays.

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