Prince George’s County – Alcoholic Beverages – Notice of Issuance of Class C Per Diem Beer, Wine, and Liquor License PG 319–26
Summary
HB583 makes a narrow, county-specific update to Prince George’s County’s alcoholic beverages law. The bill changes the name of one office that must receive notice when the Board of License Commissioners issues a Class C per diem beer, wine, and liquor license for an event. Under current law, the Board must notify the County Police Chief, County Fire Chief, the director of the County Department of Environmental Resources, and, when applicable, the chief administrative officer of the municipality where the event will occur. HB583 replaces the reference to the County Department of Environmental Resources with the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement.
The bill does not change who must be notified, what information must be included in the notice, or the licensing framework itself. It is primarily a technical conforming amendment intended to align the statute with current county agency names and administrative structure. The act applies only in Prince George’s County and takes effect July 1, 2026.
Impact
HB583 amends Section 26-1311 of the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article as it applies in Prince George’s County. Its legal effect is limited to updating the statutory name of the county department receiving notice of per diem event liquor licenses, ensuring the law reflects the current agency responsible for permitting, inspections, and enforcement. No substantive licensing standards, enforcement powers, or notice requirements are altered, and the bill leaves the broader county alcohol licensing scheme unchanged.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests the bill was noncontroversial and received broad support. It passed the House by a vote of 131-0 and the Senate by a vote of 47-0, and the committee report was favorable. The absence of recorded opposition or committee discussion indicates general agreement that the measure was a routine administrative update rather than a policy change.
Contention
There is little to no apparent contention around HB583. Because the bill is a technical correction updating an agency name in a notice provision, it does not appear to have raised substantive concerns about alcohol regulation, licensing access, public safety, or county oversight. Any interest in the bill would likely have been limited to administrative accuracy and ensuring that the correct Prince George’s County office receives required event notices.