Baltimore County allows takeout cocktails if its licensing board adopts rules

Eligible restaurants and bars may obtain permits to sell takeout mixed drinks or cocktails if Baltimore County’s alcohol licensing board adopts rules allowing these sales. Only Baltimore County restaurants and bars with Class B or Class D licenses allowing both on-site and takeout alcohol sales qualify. Their licenses must also allow the drinks being sold. The board must consider public health effects when deciding whether to adopt the rules. Customers must buy prepared food other than prepackaged snacks and show valid identification proving they are at least 21. Drinks must come in the manufacturer’s original sealed container or a container closed with a cap, cork, seal, or lid without holes for straws or sipping. The law took effect July 1, 2026. Each takeout mixed drink or cocktail must be sold no later than 11 p.m.

Baltimore County’s alcohol licensing board may not charge license holders an additional fee for sales under this authorization. The protection covers license holders selling alcohol under this takeout authorization. The fee protection applies only if the board adopts rules allowing sales under this section. The law containing this fee protection took effect July 1, 2026.

Baltimore County’s alcohol licensing board may limit how much alcohol one person can buy in a single transaction under this authorization. Any limit applies to alcohol sold to one customer in one transaction under this takeout authorization. The board may choose whether to set a quantity limit. This authority applies only if the board adopts rules allowing sales under this section. The law containing this authority took effect July 1, 2026.