BALTIMORE CITY LIQUOR BOARD ANNOUNCES REVISION OF RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR 2026; OPENS 30-DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) is announcing the release of its draft 2026 Rules and Regulations update. The Rules and Regulations are required to be revised at least every five years; however, since the MD Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article changes every year, the BLLC has found it prudent to revise the rules more frequently to better serve licensees and residents.

This year’s revision is a comprehensive overhaul that communicates the BLLC’s commitment to ensuring that the liquor licensed establishments within Baltimore City are able to thrive while simultaneously creating a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors and residents alike. The changes and additions that you will see in this draft represent the BLLC’s attempt to establish clearer guidelines for liquor license operations, better articulate complex processes, and offer opportunities for engagement with licensees and residents. This update also provides details on how BLLC would implement recently passed legislation on topics such as one-day liquor licenses and delivery of alcohol by third-party delivery services.

Key Highlights of the Proposed 2026 Revision

• Adds definitions to provide clarity, eliminate confusion and ensure consistent application of rules to all parties
• Revises rules and guidelines for one-day licenses
• Clarifies rules for delivery and creates a Local Delivery Service Permit
• Clarifies rules and procedures for temporary license extensions
• Clarifies certain rules by creating individual headings to separate specific issues
• Supports licensees with the requirement of informational classes

"Our goal with the 2026 Rules and Regulations revision is to continue to build a regulatory framework rooted in clarity, fairness, and mutual respect," said Granville Templeton, III, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City. "By regularly updating and aligning our procedures and guidelines, we provide our licensees with the supportive structure they need to thrive, while simultaneously ensuring safety, accountability, and adherence to community standards for all stakeholders.”

30-Day Public Comment Period Details

Public engagement is essential to ensuring that the final rules reflect the diverse needs of our existing licensees, prospective businesses, and communities. The BLLC invites all licensees, community leaders, residents, and other stakeholders to review the draft document and submit formal comments.

• Public Comment Deadline: 11:59 PM on August 24, 2026.
• How to Submit Comments: Written comments may be submitted via email to BLLC@baltimorecity.gov

Following the conclusion of the 30-day public comment period, at the September 10th BLLC hearing, the Board will discuss any changes made to the current draft as a result of public comment, allow for any final feedback and then will publish a final version with the goal of implementing the new Rules on October 1.