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Narrow Towson exception proposed for licensing near places of worship as redevelopment tool
Summary
Delegate Nino Mangione introduced HB 987 to permit a narrowly defined restaurant liquor license within 300 feet of a church in the Towson Commercial Revitalization District for qualifying large office buildings, contingent on written consent from the place of worship and local support.
Delegate Nino Mangione introduced House Bill 987 on Feb. 7, proposing a limited exception to the state—s standard distance restriction for alcoholic beverage licenses near places of worship to help spur economic development in downtown Towson.
The bill applies only to an establishment within the Towson Commercial Revitalization District that is located inside an office building of at least 100,000 square feet, has a prior BMDT zoning classification, and is a restaurant (not a class A license). Crucially, the statute as described requires written consent from the identified place of worship.
"It is narrow. It is focused and it's... offered to provide an opportunity to help bring more economic development in Towson," Mangione said, adding that he consulted Councilman Mike Hartwell, the Towson Chamber of Commerce and the local church; testimony filed with the delegation included statements of local support.
Wayne Gioso, president of Mid Atlantic Properties (headquartered in Towson), testified in support and described a specific redevelopment opportunity adjacent to the county courthouse. Gioso said the church near the proposed site had provided a letter of support. "I enthusiastically support House Bill 987," he told the delegation, citing community backing and a desire to attract a first-class restaurant tenant.
Jack Milani, speaking for the licensed beverage community, said he is working with the sponsor and developers to refine the bill and requested narrow legislative limits to avoid unintended consequences such as later changes in use or packaging rights. Milani said the delegation has precedent for a 100-foot exception and proposed including specific operational restrictions in the statute so future property transfers would not broaden the license beyond the sponsor's intent.
Delegates, including Kathy Forbes, expressed support for continued work on amendments. The delegation will review posted amendments and continue deliberations; no vote was taken at the hearing.
