Delaware event hosts may apply for licenses to serve alcohol

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner may grant a license to sell and serve alcohol at special events. The event grounds must be in Delaware, owned or leased by the licensee, no more than three acres, and meet safety and other local rules. The applicant must pay the application fee and provide the required documents. The Commissioner must review and approve each event report, and the local government must approve the event in writing. The Commissioner may suspend a license, refuse later applications for up to two years, or fine a licensee up to $10,000 per violation for breaking the rules or misrepresenting information. The special event license rules take effect six months after enactment or when the Commissioner gives notice that final rules are adopted, whichever comes first. Hosts must report each event at least 30 days ahead; temporary structures must be approved locally and reported at least 20 days ahead.

The Commissioner must hold a hearing on an alcohol license application when nearby residents or property owners file enough protests and enough protesters register to speak. The rule covers people who live or own property within one mile of the proposed licensed location, including nearby incorporated areas. At least 10 people who live or own property within one mile of the proposed location must protest within 30 days after the application is filed. At least 5 of those protesters must register to speak. The Commissioner may also hold a hearing when no one protests. The 30-day protest period starts when the license application is filed.

Licensed package stores and certain licensed producers may offer alcohol for curbside pickup. The provision covers licensed package stores and entities licensed under §§ 512A through 512E with permission to sell alcohol off the premises. Sales must follow the rules against selling to people who are intoxicated or under 21. A server certified under Delaware law must complete and deliver each curbside sale.