Obtaining a License to Sell Alcohol

For information regarding the process to apply for an alcoholic beverage license in Harford County, please review the  How to Apply  brochure available on this website. 

Please note that the process takes approximately eight (8) weeks from the time an application packet (complete and in order) is filed with the Board Office.

Application packets may be obtained as follows:

• Online:  Fillable forms are now available on this website.

• Pick Up:  Application packets are available at the Board office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (Closed on County Holidays).

• By Mail:  Request an application packet be mailed to you by calling the Board Office at 410-638-3028.

Important Transfer & Renewal Deadlines

The Harford County Liquor Control Board hereby gives notice that there will be no applications accepted for new, transfer, change of officers, change of location, and/or change in license class during the 2020 Renewal period.  All applications to be processed for issuance during February, March, and April must be filed with the Board office on or before January 15, 2020.  This does not include Per Diem licenses issued to non-profit organizations for fundraising purposes. 

All applications received after January 15, 2020, will not be processed until after May 1, 2020. 

Renewal Applications will be available on this website beginning February 3, 2020.  AB § 22-1802 of the Annotated Code of Maryland states that “An application to renew an annual license shall be filed between FEBRUARY 1 and APRIL 1, inclusive.”  Therefore, renewal applications will not be accepted in the Board office prior to February 3, 2020.  Paper renewal packets will be provided by request only.  Alcoholic beverage licenses do not renew automatically.  You must file your renewal paperwork, pay for, and pick up your license in order for it to remain viable.

Other pertinent Renewal deadlines, fees, etc., are as follows:

• Renewals Filed between February 3, 2020, and March 16, 2020, must include a $75.00 processing fee.

• Renewals Filed between March 17, 2020, and April 30, 2020, will be charged a $75.00 processing fee PLUS a $200.00 late fee.  Renewals filed after April 1, 2020, will be held and considered by the Board for up to 30 days prior to issuance.

• Tax Clearances from the State Comptroller's Office and Harford County Revenue Collections must be received by April 30, 2020, even if your Renewal Fee and License Fee are paid.  Licenses will not be released without approval from tax agencies.  You must have a valid license to make sales.