Local vendor urges Maryland law change so retail off‑site alcohol permits work for farmers markets

Robin Ritter, owner of Red Laid Liquors LLC, told the Caroline County commissioners on Aug. 5 that Maryland's retail off‑site alcohol permit does not allow the seasonal farmers'market presence she expected and asked the county to consider supporting a change at the state level. Ritter said she thought the permit would allow a retail licensee to vend at three farmers markets for a season, but learned the permit limits holders to "not more than 3 farmers' markets in the jurisdiction" and—based on how agencies enforce the rule—often is interpreted as only three appearances rather than three separate markets for a season.

Ritter said the current implementation makes the permit "a useless license" for vendors who want to appear regularly at a market to build customer relationships. She described the effect on vendors and on volunteer organizations that hire third‑party servers, saying fire companies and other community groups struggle to staff Events when they must rely on TIPs‑certified servers.

County staff summarized the state regulation as part of the discussion and said the rule comes from the state Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article and related regulations; staff explained the permit language about farmer's markets is in state code. Commissioners advised Ritter that the appropriate venue for changing the statutory language is the Maryland General Assembly and suggested she consult local legislators; one commissioner offered that the county could consider a letter of support if the request gained traction among state lawmakers. Ritter said she planned to contact state legislators and would report back to the commissioners.

County staff and commissioners discussed enforcement and practical limits. A staff member said state inspectors handle enforcement of state licenses and that local zoning could impose separate restrictions on on‑site consumption. Staff also said the state'issued retailer off‑site permit allows sales of sealed bottles, samples and mixed drinks where permitted, and that some local farmers markets require vendors to sign up for a full season, which conflicts with a three‑appearance limit.

Ritter requested two specific changes: (1) a statewide clarification or amendment allowing retail licensees with an off‑site permit to vend at farmers markets for a full season rather than only three appearances, and (2) a carve‑out for farmers markets so they can contract seasonal vendors. The commissioners did not take a formal vote at the meeting but recommended Ritter contact Del. Aaron (surname not specified) and Sen. Mase for advice and possible sponsorship and said the county could consider supporting a legislative request if it had broader regional interest.