Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Alcohol Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Carroll County delegation moves to advance Class 1 distillery change to allow food service
Summary
On a delegation call, members voted to move favorably on a county-level amendment to the Class 1 distillery license to permit food and on‑premises alcoholic beverage service, while holding off on a broader Class L measure pending state action.
The Carroll County Legislative Delegation voted to move forward on a county-level amendment to the Class 1 distillery license that would allow distilleries to serve food alongside alcoholic beverages, delegation Chair Doug Chris Hamilton said during a virtual meeting.
Jennifer, who described the draft to the group, said the current county language adds an on‑premise permit clause for Class 1 distilleries so they can "serve food and alcoholic beverages." She said a separate, broader Class L concept — under discussion at the state level — would allow Maryland manufacturers to sell products made by other Maryland manufacturers for on‑premises consumption; several counties have considered local versions if the statewide bill does not pass.
The delegation discussed strategy for handling the two measures. Unidentified Speaker 2 moved that the group "move favorable on the first bill" (the county Class 1 change) and hold off on the local Class L effort while monitoring the state bill; the motion was seconded and the delegation voted in favor.
Supporters said the county tweak is primarily an execution matter and could be amended later if the state Class L bill succeeds or if the delegation decides to add language promoting Maryland‑made products. Jennifer said the draft the delegation advanced currently contains only the food provision; adding Maryland‑made product language remains an option to pursue by amendment at a later hearing.
Chair Doug Chris Hamilton and other members clarified committee jurisdiction: a purely county bill would be handled by the local committee, while a statewide Class L proposal would go to the appropriate state committee. The delegation agreed to monitor the state bill’s progress and consider amendments or using another bill as a vehicle if needed.
The delegation did not provide bill numbers during the discussion. The committee recorded the motion to advance the county Class 1 amendment as approved; details of any future amendments will be addressed when a bill is formally posted and scheduled for committee consideration.
