Howard County adopts Class MT movie-theater liquor license, sets $1,500 annual fee

The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Board voted to add a Class MT movie-theater liquor license and adopt rules and a proposed annual fee of $1,500, aligning county regulations with state legislation the board cited as SB 10 19 20 25.

Board members said the state delegation created the new license and delegated rulemaking and fee-setting authority to the county. A staff member summarized local context, saying the sponsors were “Senator Gazzoni and Delegate Fellmark” and that theaters have struggled to bring audiences back after the pandemic.

The board approved the addition of the license and the proposed rules and fee by motion. Recorded votes show Chair Youngman, Miss Young and Miss Rigby voting yes and Miss Walsh voting no; the motion passed.

Why it matters: The new Class MT license permits in-theater alcohol service under local regulation and sets operational safeguards the board says are intended to protect minors and manage public-safety concerns.

Key provisions and safeguards The rules the board circulated and discussed include: - A two-serving maximum per patron while in the theater. - Sales must occur from a designated, separate counter staffed by certified alcohol servers. - Alcohol must be served in single-serve containers that differ from standard soda containers so staff can distinguish alcoholic beverages. - Theater operators must offer “real food” (not only candy) available while alcohol service is offered; food service must remain available through the hours when alcohol is served. - Licensing criteria include usual statutory requirements: crowd-control certificates, proof that concession and alcohol areas are distinct, and a determination that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a license.

Board members discussed practical concerns and enforcement. One member said, “I could just picture like beer spilled on the glass above the milk duds,” arguing for separate counters and staffing rules. Another board member noted that the license would likely apply to the county's two existing theaters (including an AMC and Snowden Square) and that neighboring counties already have similar licenses.

Fee setting and process Staff said surrounding counties charge annual fees ranging from $500 to $2,000; the board proposed $1,500 to align with that range. The staff member explained the county's process for license approval would include a public hearing when an applicant seeks the permit. The transcript recorded that “Mr. Hurwitz” provided testimony to the board as part of the public notice process.

The vote and next steps A board motion to adopt the Class MT license, the circulated rules and a $1,500 annual fee passed with three yes votes and one no. Staff will include the adopted rules in the county's licensing documents and will process future movie-theater license applications under the new classification.

Board members said the rules can be amended later if complaints or operational issues arise.