What's Brewing?

A Monthly Newsletter from the Baltimore City Liquor Board

September 2026

BALTIMORE CITY LIQUOR BOARD ADOPTS 2026 RULES AND REGULATIONS; EFFECTIVE DATE NOVEMBER 2, 2026

At its hearing on Thursday, September 24, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) adopted its 2026 Rules and Regulations, which will take effect on November 2, 2026. The newly revised Rules reflect months of collaboration and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders and represent a comprehensive effort to create a regulatory framework that is clear, fair, responsive to a changing hospitality industry, and respectful of the communities in which licensed establishments operate.

The Board released the proposed Rules and Regulations on July 24, 2026, providing the 30-day public comment period required by law and extending its engagement beyond that period to gather additional feedback. The process included City and State elected officials, community leaders, licensees, attorneys, government and quasi-governmental agencies, and restaurant and hospitality organizations. Based on the feedback received, the Board made a number of changes and additions to the proposed Rules to provide greater clarity and better reflect the needs of licensees, residents, and other stakeholders.

The 2026 Rules also recognize that Baltimore’s hospitality industry is evolving and that the City’s regulatory framework must evolve with it. Several of the most significant changes are designed to embrace emerging trends and provide new opportunities for licensed establishments while establishing clear standards for responsible operation.

Key Updates to the 2026 Rules and Regulations

Modernizes and clarifies the Rules to reduce confusion and promote consistent application for licensees, residents, and other stakeholders.
Establishes Maryland’s first regulatory program for third-party alcohol delivery services, such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, allowing licensees and residents to benefit from the convenience of third-party delivery while establishing safeguards for responsible alcohol delivery.
Creates a regulatory framework for speakeasy-style spaces and provides clearer standards for other emerging hospitality trends, including bottle service and Ready-to-Drink cocktails (RTDs).
Places a greater emphasis on education by requiring informational sessions for new licensees and allowing the Board to require additional education in connection with violations.
Revises the rules and procedures governing one-day licenses to provide greater clarity and efficiency in the application process.

Continue reading the Press Release here...

The 2026 Rules and Regulations will be available on the BLLC website through the button below, and will go into effect on November 2, 2026.

2026 BLLC Rules Regulations

BLLC In Partnership

Every month, our agency is present in the community for inspections, association meetings, safety walks, and monitoring of entertainment districts or other areas of focus, and many other partnership events. This month, Deputy Executive Secretary Michelle Wirzberger, Chief Inspector Dave McGinnis, Agent Cindy Tudhope, and Community Liaison Matt Achhammer presented to the Baltimore Police Department Cadets during their training sessions. In anticipation of future partnerships where BPD cadets will help with underage task force and other operations, the team presented a look at what the work will entail, and how the two departments will collaborate to provide effective monitoring to prevent underage sales of alcohol across the City.

Booze News - Licensee Corner

Reminder: Temporary Extensions A licensee must apply for an extension if they want to have a temporary outdoor bar and/or if they want to temporarily serve alcohol in an area of the establishment that is not currently listed on their alcoholic beverage license.

How to Apply: At least 10 days before an event, submit a written request with the following: Time, date, location, license and event information. Diagram of event area and security plan both noting security staff / control of alcohol / outdoor bar, etc. Necessary permissions (DOT permit, landlord approval, etc.) Payment of extension fee: $200 fee per day.

Please contact our office with any questions. Note: Extensions are not allowed for Class A licenses.

Holiday Special Sunday Licenses

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. Eligible licensees will be receiving letters with instructions for application, payment, and pickup.

Board Acknowledgment:

Dr. Louise Johnson

Dr. Louise Johnson of the Maryland Beverages Association CDC, Inc., recently visited with the Board after a hearing. Dr. Johnson has advocated for minority and women-owned licensees in the the City for many years and recently joined other groups in providing feedback on the Rules and Regulations, including input for the necessity of classes for new licensees.

Photo left to right: Commissioner Thomas, Chairman Templeton, Dr. Louise Johnson, Commissioner Chambers.

Licensee Info Sessions
Held on the third Tuesday of every month, with the next session on Tuesday, October 20, from 11:00am to 12:30pm at the BLLC Offices.