The St. Mary's County Alcohol Beverage Board voted Dec. 14 to send a formal written request to the sheriff’s department asking that an Alcohol Enforcement Coordinator (AEC) be assigned to the board.

The action follows a discussion prompted by the sheriff’s earlier suggestion to consider a civilian AEC or a change in how enforcement duties are staffed. Board members and staff had followed up by contacting Calvert County, where an inspector position performs administrative inspection duties while the sheriff’s office continues law‑enforcement checks. Staff told the board the Calvert inspector does not organize compliance‑check stings; law enforcement conducts those operations.

Tammy Hildebrand summarized that the division of responsibilities in other counties separates administrative inspection work from police powers. The board debated whether a civilian could perform the role and whether statutory language required police powers for certain enforcement actions. Ultimately the board voted to place a formal request on record, asking the sheriff’s office to assign an AEC to the board.

The motion passed by voice vote; board members instructed staff and counsel to prepare a written request for signature to be sent to the sheriff. Hildebrand said she would draft the letter so members could sign it and that the board attorney would advise on form if necessary.

Ending: Staff will prepare a written request for the sheriff’s office, and the board recorded the vote as an official, on‑the‑record request for assignment of an Alcohol Enforcement Coordinator.