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 available on this website (under Associated Documents on the License Applications tab).

• Pick Up:  Application packets may be obtained at the Board office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (Closed on County Holidays).  Please call 410-638-3028 ahead of time to request a packet.

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

2020-2021 Alcoholic Beverage License Renewal

Renewal Applications are available on this website.  Completed applications may be scanned and emailed to the Board office.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• 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.

• 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.

• The Renewal application makes reference to a Responsible Operator (formerly the Resident License Holder).  A Responsible Operator must own a real, provable pecuniary interest in the business; be present a substantial amount of time on DAILY basis (minimum 30 hours a week), serving as Manager or Supervisor; and must notify the Board in writing of any change in the status of the Responsible Operator.  An Affidavit of Responsibilty is included with the Renewal packet, and must be completed and submitted by the Responsible Operator.

• You may pay your Annual License fee (by separate check) at the time the Renewal Application is submitted; however, you are responsible for picking your license up from the Board office during License Pickup (see below).

• 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.

• 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 received after January 15, 2020, will not be processed until after May 1, 2020.  This does not include Per Diem licenses issued to non-profit organizations for fundraising purposes.

4/21/2020 UPDATE

• The Board office remains closed to the public.  Staff are working from home and coming into the office only when necessary.  We are capable of answering phone calls, emails, and processing applications remotely.  The Board Inspector is reaching out to each licensed business just to check-in and offer our support.

• LICENSE RENEWAL & PICKUP:  Current alcoholic beverage licenses are valid for 30 days after the Governor lifts the Executive Order.  However, if you have not submitted your Renewal Application, please do so immediately.  You will not have to pay any fees until your renewed license is picked up.  If you have submitted your Renewal, do not come into the office to pick it up as orignally planned.  We will let everyone know when and how we will do License Pick-up.

Please contact the Board Office at 410-638-3028 with any questions.