MarylandAnne Arundel County permits allow more entertainment at licensed businesses
Anne Arundel County’s alcohol board may issue permits for a wider range of entertainment, with a 100-foot setback for outdoor events under two permit types.
What it does
The law renames this permit and allows it to cover more than one television and piped-in background music. It does not allow floor shows or similar live entertainment.
The law renames this permit and allows trivia, karaoke, disc jockey music, live music with up to four musicians, and background entertainment. Outdoor events must be at least 100 feet from residentially zoned property.
The law renames this permit and allows a permanent dance floor, stage area, floor shows, and other legal entertainment. Outdoor events must be at least 100 feet from residentially zoned property.
Argument forEligible businesses could offer more kinds of entertainment, giving customers more choices when they visit.
Argument againstThe 100-foot setback could rule out outdoor events at some businesses near residential areas.
More detail
The Board may issue a background entertainment permit allowing more than one television and piped-in background music. The permit is for eligible alcoholic beverage license holders in Anne Arundel County. The permit is available to holders of Class B, BLX, D, or H licenses. The permit does not allow floor shows or similar live entertainment. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
The Board may issue a general entertainment permit for the entertainment listed in the law. The permit is for eligible alcoholic beverage license holders in Anne Arundel County. The permit is available to holders of Class B, BLX, D, or H licenses. It does not allow floor shows or similar live entertainment. Outdoor events must be at least 100 feet from residentially zoned property. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
The Board may issue a full entertainment permit for a permanent dance floor, a stage area, floor shows, and other legal entertainment. The permit is for eligible alcoholic beverage license holders in Anne Arundel County. The permit is available to holders of Class B, C, or D licenses, and to Class BLX or H license holders unless the premises are within 1,000 feet, measured entry to entry, of a place of worship or school. A Class H license holder may still get the permit near a school at Annapolis Mall. Outdoor events must be at least 100 feet from residentially zoned property. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 26Approved by the Governor Wes Moore - Chapter 855Became Law
- Apr 13Returned Passed
- Apr 13Third Reading PassedPassed House
- Apr 9Favorable Adopted Second Reading PassedMinor
- Apr 9Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and ElectionsMinor
- Apr 2
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 26Hearing 4/07 at 1:00 p.m.
- Mar 6Referred Government, Labor, and ElectionsMinor
- Mar 5Third Reading PassedPassed Senate
- Mar 3Favorable Adopted Second Reading PassedMinor
- Mar 2Favorable Report by FinanceMinor
- Feb 11Hearing 2/20 at 1:00 p.m.
- Jan 28First Reading FinanceIntroduced
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