It is the policy of the State of Maryland that it is necessary to regulate and control the storage, sale and distribution of alcohol beverages. Maryland State Law, as written in the Alcoholic Beverages (AB) Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, empowers local boards of license commissioners and inspectors to administer and enforce the provisions of these alcohol laws. The restrictions, regulations, provisions, and penalties contained in these laws are for the protection, health, welfare and safety of the people of Harford County and this State; and are carried out in Harford County by the Harford County Liquor Control Board.

Licensing

All alcoholic beverages that are sold in the State of Maryland, including Harford County, must be sold by person(s) who hold an alcoholic beverage license. There are numerous types of alcoholic beverage licenses, ranging from per diem (one day) licenses to licenses for the sale of alcohol (both on and off premises) 7 days a week/365 days a year. Licenses are issued to clubs, restaurants, taverns, liquor stores, hotels, caterers and stadiums. Fees for licenses range from $15 to $10,000 per year.

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.

Fillable Application forms are available on this website (on the License Applications tab).

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

2026-2027 Renewal Applications

You must use the form for 2026-2027; older versions will not be accepted.  This application is in a fillable .pdf format; however, original signatures are required for all applicants (notary required) and property owners (notary not required).  Please note that if your business is under a lease that expires between 5/1/2026 and 4/30/2027, THE PROPERTY OWNER MUST SIGN THE RENEWAL APPLICATION.  Written documentation of either the renewal of the existing lease or a signed new lease must also be submitted.

Completed applications may be filed at the Board office, located at 16 N. Main Street in Bel Air, Maryland.

Paper copies of the Renewal Application packet are available at 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 2/2/2026 and 3/15/2026 must include a $150 processing fee.

• Renewals filed between 3/16/2026 and 4/30/2026 will be charged the $150 processing fee PLUS a $500 late fee ($650 total).  Renewals filed after 4/1/2026 will be held and considered by the Board for up to 30 days prior to issuance.  Please file your applications early.

• 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 Pick Up.

• Tax Clearances from the State Comptroller's Office and Harford County Revenue Collections must be received by 4/30/2026, 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 deadline for submission of applications for new, transfer, or change of officers, location, or license class during the 2026 Renewal period was 1/15/2026.  Applications received after this date will not be processed until after 5/1/2026.  This does not include Per Diem licenses issued to non-profit organizations for fundraising purposes. 

LICENSE PICK UP:

• Licenses will be available for pick up at the Board office between 4/24/2026 and 4/30/2026.  The Board office is closed on Saturday (4/25/2026) and Sunday (4/27/2026).  Payment of the license fee is required to pick up your license. 

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

Renewal Protest - Deadline

Protest against renewal of any License for the year beginning May 1, 2026, must be filed in writing with the Board office on or before April 1, 2026.  All protests must be signed by not less than ten (10) residents, commercial tenants who are not holders of or applicants for any license issued under the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, or real estate owners of the immediate vicinity in which the licensed place of business is located, and based on specific complaint(s).  CLICK HERE for the Renewal Protest Application.

Please contact the Board Office with any questions.