Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does the application process take?
A. The Board of License Commissioners follows the Annotated Code of Maryland, Alcoholic Beverages - Division 1: General Provisions; and Division II: Provisions Affecting Individual Jurisdictions. Just as every business plan is unique, every application for an alcoholic beverage license is as well. The application timeline depends on how quickly the applicant(s) meet(s) the legal requirements for a hearing. Each application requires signatures, notarization, Articles of Organization, fingerprinting, and other steps.
Once a completed application is received by the Inspector, the application receives a preliminary review by staff. The application is then forwarded to the County Attorney for Legal Review.
When the County Attorney is satisfied that the application meets the legal requirements for a hearing, a Public Hearing is scheduled. A Notice of License Application is publicly advertised for two consecutive weeks prior to the Public Hearing. Applicants are notified of the hearing date and time. It is strongly recommended that at least one applicant attend the hearing.
If the application is approved by the Board without contingencies, the applicant can arrange for the issuance of a license during normal business hours. If the application is approved with contingencies, a license can be issued once all contingencies have been satisfied.
Q. Who holds an alcoholic beverage license in Kent County?
A. Below is a link to an Interactive Alcoholic Beverages Database Query. To perform a search, see on the left-hand side there is the category Field: County. Select Kent from the drop-down menu accessible in the center column, then select for Page Size: Show 100 per page, and then click search. "Coming Soon"
DISCLAIMER
The database of alcoholic beverages retail licensees contained on the Comptroller's Office website is provided as a general information and reference tool for licensees, trade associations, and others. This database is not to be considered an official or up to date listing of all retail licensees in the state. Only a local liquor board may provide official information on active retail licenses in its jurisdiction. Any noted errors, omissions, or corrections should be reported to the office of Alcohol and Tobacco Tax for the Comptroller of Maryland, e-mail: credit@comp.state.md.us, address: P.O. Box 2999, Annapolis, Maryland 21404-2999.
Q. Who can I buy alcoholic beverages from? Why do I have to buy from a distributor?
A. Retail License Holders and the Regulation of Alcoholic Beverages in Maryland are organized in a three-tier system.
In Maryland, the first two tiers of the three-tier system used to regulate alcoholic beverages – manufacturing and wholesaling – are regulated by the Comptroller. The third tier – retailing – is regulated by local boards of license commissioners.
Retail license holders (tier three of the three-tier system), MUST purchase from a Wholesaler (Distributor). The four most common types of retail license are: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D.
Below is a link to an Interactive Alcoholic Beverages Database Query. To perform a search, see on the left-hand side there is the category License Type. Select the type of Wholesaler from the following options in the drop-down menu accessible in the center column:
W1 - Wholesalers Class 1 Beer, Wine, and Liquor
W2 - Wholesalers Class 2 Wine and Liquor
W3 - Wholesalers Class 3 Beer and Wine
W4 - Wholesalers Class 4 Beer
W5 - Wholesalers Class 5 Wine
W6 - Limited Wine Wholesalers Class 6
W7 - Wholesalers Class and Limited Beer License
W8 - Liquor
Select the location address State: MD and the License Status: Active Only then select for Page Size: Show 100 per page, and then click search. "Coming Soon"
DISCLAIMER
The database of this website is provided as a general information and reference tool for licensees, trade associations, and others. This database is not to be considered an official or up to date listing of all wholesalers. Please verify that the distributors you select have distribution rights in Kent County, Maryland.