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).

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

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

2025 Transfer Deadline Information

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 2025 Renewal period. 

All applications to be processed for issuance during February, March, and/or April must be filed with this office on or before January 15, 2025. 

This does not include Per Diem Licenses issued to non-profit organizations for fundraising purposes.

All Applications received after January 15, 2025, will not be processed until after May 1, 2025.

2025 Renewal Processing Information

The 2025-2026 Renewal Application packet is now available on the Board's website.

You must use the form for 2025-2026; 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 5/1/2025 and 4/30/2026, THE PROPERTY OWNER MUST SIGN THE RENEWAL APPLICATION.

PLEASE READ THE APPLICATION CAREFULLY, AS SOME CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE THIS YEAR.  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 2/3/2025 and 3/17/2025 must include a $150 processing fee.

• Renewals filed between 3/18/2025 and 4/30/2025 will be charged the $150 processing fee PLUS a $500 late fee ($650 total).  Renewals filed after 4/1/2024 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 4/30/2025, 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.

LICENSE PICK UP:

• Licenses will be available for pick up at the Board office between 4/24/2025 and 4/30/2025.  The Board office is closed on Saturday (4/26/2025) and Sunday (4/27/2025).  Payment of the license fee is required to pick up your license. 

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