License Applications and Processing

The Board of License Commissioners is responsible for processing new liquor licenses as well as transfers and changes to existing licenses.

What are you applying for?

  • Renewal of License

    All alcoholic beverages license renewal applications must be filed annually. 

    2025-2026 Process

    The 2025-2026 Application will be available in January 2025. All alcoholic beverage licenses expire on April 30, 2025. All alcoholic beverages license renewal applications must be filed to the board on or before March 31, 2025. 

    When paying by check or money order, please make payable to "Talbot County, Maryland"

    Deadlines

    March 31, 2025:  last day to submit the renewal application without incurring a late fee of $250.00.

    April 30, 2025:  last day to pick up and pay for the 2025-2026 alcohol license.

    May 1, 2025:  state law requires that the 2025-2026 alcohol licenses be posted at your facility on this date.

  • New License

    There are several requirements and information to be submitted prior to obtaining a new liquor license. Click on the links below to review documents containing forms and instructions.

    • Application Checklist Anyone who is applying for a new alcohol license needs to review and use this checklist to ensure their application is complete. The checklist also includes instructions and information on how to complete and submit the application.
    • New Liquor License Application Anyone who wishes to obtain a new alcohol license would need to complete this application.
    • Fingerprint background check New applicant's will need to have their fingerprints taken for a background check. Please contact ScreenID to make an appointment for their Easton location: 8707 Commerce Dr., Easton, MD 21601.
    • Agency Privacy Requirements for Noncriminal Justice Applicants All applicants are asked to read and sign this document, so they understand the fingerprint background check process. This is for new applications and substitute license applications.
    • Attachment # 1 (Owner Acknowledgement) – This is to be signed in the presence of a Notary Public by the owner of the premises. This is for new license applications.
    • Attachment # 2 (Voters' Affidavit) – This is a signature form the applicant will need to have signed by at least 10 citizens who are registered voters and live in the same voting precinct that the business is in. After receiving the signatures, they will take this to the Election Board for verification. When the Election Board verifies the signatures, the application will receive Attachment 2 back along with the letter, both need to be submitted to the Liquor Board. This is for new license applications.
    • Attachment # 3 (Posting Affidavit) – This is an affidavit to be signed by the applicant in the presence of a Notary Public and not turned in until the date of the public hearing. This is for new license applications.
  • Change of License

    Making changes and/or transferring an existing license requires specific information to be submitted. Please reach out to our office for more information.

Special Applications

Application for Class H & J Special Event License  – Completed by any club, society, association or church who would like a special event license. This application must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event date.

Application for Substitute Licensee – Used when a business would like to add or replace a license holder on their current alcohol license. This application also requires a background check and proof of alcohol awareness training to be submitted.

Corkage Application – Allows businesses to serve wine not purchased from the license holder on licensed premises and Removal of partially consumed bottle of wine from licensed premises. This is only allowed for businesses that already hold a Class B, G, or F-A alcohol license.

Application for Special Festival Endorsement – This application is only for applicants that currently hold a Class A, B, E, F-A or I alcohol license. No business is allowed to obtain more than 4 special festival endorsements in a calendar year. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event date.

Page last modified Thursday, December 5, 2024 2:38:41 PM