Howard County delegation approves bill to allow delivery by tavern (Class D) license holders

The Howard County delegation voted to pass HOCO 21-25, which would expand delivery privileges to holders of Class D (tavern) alcoholic beverage licenses.

Under the bill as described by delegation staff, a Class D license holder (a tavern-type establishment) would be authorized to deliver alcoholic beverages within Howard County. Delivery would be allowed only when the deliverer or the license-holder’s employee making the delivery is at least 18 years old, the deliverer inspects the recipient’s identification, and both deliverer and recipient sign a form acknowledging the recipient is at least 21 years old. The bill requires that someone at least 21 years old be physically present to receive the delivery and that payment be made at the time of order.

Members asked clarifying questions about existing take-out sales; staff confirmed taverns already may sell packaged products for customers to take off-premises and that HOCO 21-25 addresses only delivery.

The motion to approve was seconded and the delegation recorded unanimous affirmative votes; the bill passed favorably.

Next steps will follow the legislative process; if enacted, license holders and enforcement staff would need to adopt and follow the delivery procedures described in the bill.