Howard County – Alcoholic Beverages – Class D Licenses – Delivery Ho. Co. 21–25
Summary
SB1036 is a local Howard County alcohol delivery bill that expands the county’s delivery rules to include holders of Class D alcoholic beverage licenses, not just Class A license holders. Under the bill, a Class D license holder or the license holder’s employee may deliver alcoholic beverages only within Howard County, subject to the same age and identification safeguards already used for other deliveries. The bill requires the deliverer and recipient to sign an approved delivery form confirming the recipient is at least 21, presented documentary proof of age, and was informed that providing alcohol to someone under 21 is a criminal offense.
The bill also requires that a purchaser, or another designated adult age 21 or older, be physically present to receive the delivery and that payment be made at the time of ordering. It is a narrow amendment to the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article, applying only in Howard County, and it takes effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
SB1036 amends § 23-1904 of the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article to expressly authorize Class D license holders and their employees in Howard County to make local alcohol deliveries under the county’s existing delivery framework. The bill does not change statewide law; it modifies a county-specific provision and reinforces age-verification, in-person receipt, and prepayment requirements for retail alcohol delivery. Its practical effect is to expand delivery eligibility for certain Howard County licensees while maintaining regulatory controls intended to prevent underage access.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate 44-0 and the House 134-0, indicating unanimous approval in both chambers. The absence of committee transcript debate also suggests the measure was viewed as a straightforward local licensing adjustment rather than a contested policy change.
Contention
No notable opposition or substantive controversy is reflected in the available record. The only policy issue apparent from the text is the expansion of delivery authority from Class A to Class D license holders, but the bill preserves the same safeguards on age verification, physical presence, and payment timing. Any concern would likely have centered on alcohol access and enforcement, but the unanimous votes suggest those concerns were not significant enough to generate recorded disagreement.