Baltimore event promoters need permits for a 2027 fraternity gathering

Promoters must apply for a Board permit before publicizing or holding a covered event. The event must relate to the 2027 Kappa Alpha Psi Conclave, which includes the fraternity's 88th grand chapter meeting. The event must involve a Baltimore City alcohol license holder working with an outside promoter and be expected to draw at least 75 people. Applicants need written consent from a Visit Baltimore designee and, when required for the location, a Baltimore City transportation event permit. The application must include the participating license holders' signatures and list each event location. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and ends after December 31, 2027. Apply at least 30 days before the event; the Board must grant or deny the application, or request more information, within seven days after receiving it.

State caterers must obtain a Baltimore City per-day alcohol license before participating as a license holder at a covered event. This applies to holders of a State caterer's license who participate as a license holder at an event covered by this law. The license must cover beer, beer and wine, or beer, wine, and liquor, based on what the caterer will serve. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and ends after December 31, 2027.

Applicants pay fees, and regulators must impose a fine, suspend a license, or do both for specified violations. The fees apply to permit applications; the penalties apply to promoters, participating license holders, and State caterers involved in covered events. The application fee is $50. If the permit is granted, the permit fee is $500 for a location with a fire marshal-set capacity under 300 people, or $1,500 for a capacity of 300 or more. The Board must act when someone knows or has reason to know that a covered event is being publicized or held without its permit. The state alcohol regulator must act when a State caterer participates without its required license. The application fee is due when the application is submitted, and the permit fee is due when the Board grants it. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and ends after December 31, 2027.