Wicomico County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class B (Golf Course) License - Hours of Sale
Summary
HB754 is a local alcohol licensing bill for Wicomico County that changes the permitted hours of sale for holders of a Class B beer, wine, and liquor (golf course) license. Under current law, these licensees may sell alcoholic beverages beginning at 10 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays; the bill moves the start time earlier to 7 a.m. on Monday through Saturday and on Sunday, while leaving the closing times unchanged at 2 a.m. the following day on weekdays and midnight on Sunday.
The bill applies only in Wicomico County and amends the county-specific provisions in the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article governing golf course licenses. It does not change who may qualify for the license, the annual fee, or the general authority to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption on golf course property and in related buildings such as clubhouses. The effective date is July 1, 2026.
Impact
HB754 amends Section 32-1003 of the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article as it applies only to Wicomico County, expanding the hours during which a golf course Class B license holder may sell alcoholic beverages. The practical effect is to allow earlier alcohol service at qualifying golf courses and related facilities, potentially affecting golf course operators, patrons, and county licensing enforcement, while leaving the license structure and fee unchanged.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It received favorable committee action in the House and passed both chambers unanimously, with 120-0 in the House and 46-0 in the Senate. The lack of recorded opposition or committee transcript discussion suggests general agreement on the local business and operational change.
Contention
No specific points of contention are reflected in the available record. Because the bill only adjusts opening hours for a narrow class of license in one county, any concerns would likely have centered on alcohol availability, local control, or impacts on nearby communities and enforcement, but no member or stakeholder objections are documented in the provided materials.