St. Mary's County Liquor License Cost
Local permits, city fees, and what to expect beyond the Maryland state license
Licensing costs in St. Mary's County
St. Mary's County issues its own alcohol licenses through the Alcohol Beverage Board (five members appointed by the Governor) — separate from state ATCC. Annual fees by class: Class A-1 off-sale 7-day $400, Class A-2 off-sale 6-day $300, Class B restaurant $650, Class B hotel $1,000, Class C club/nonprofit $350, Class D tavern 6-day $250, Class D tavern 7-day $650. These are among the lowest county fees in Maryland. Class A (off-sale/package store) licenses are subject to a quota of one per 1,350 residents per election district — package store licenses can be scarce in certain districts. The Board meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown.
Licensing timeline in St. Mary's County
St. Mary's County runs faster than the Maryland state average. Uncontested applications typically take 30-60 days: submit application, Board schedules public hearing within 7-30 days of notice publication, then approval at the monthly Board meeting. Contested applications or those requiring Environmental Health, Fire Marshal, or Planning and Zoning sign-off extend timelines to 90-175 days. Board meets monthly (2nd Thursday), so missed cycles add ~30 days.
What buyers often miss in St. Mary's County
Class A (off-sale/package store) licenses are quota-controlled at one per 1,350 residents per election district. In fully allocated election districts, acquiring a new Class A license requires buying an existing one via transfer — though there is no active public exchange and prices are negotiated privately. Class B and D licenses are not quota-capped and can be issued new.
Zoning considerations for St. Mary's County
300-foot proximity rule from places of worship and public/private schools — measured wall-to-nearest-point. Exception: Leonardtown (county seat) is exempt from the 300-foot restriction. Drive-through alcohol sales are prohibited and non-transferable — a 2024 enforcement action shut down an establishment for this violation. Out-of-state license holders may not hold a Class A or Class D license.
FAQ — St. Mary's County Liquor Licensing
How long does it take to get a liquor license in St. Mary's County?
Expect 60 days in St. Mary's County — 30 days faster than the state average. St. Mary's County runs faster than the Maryland state average. Uncontested applications typically take 30-60 days: submit application, Board schedules public hearing within 7-30 days of notice publication, then approval at the monthly Board meeting. Contested applications or those requiring Environmental Health, Fire Marshal, or Planning and Zoning sign-off extend timelines to 90-175 days. Board meets monthly (2nd Thursday), so missed cycles add ~30 days.
Does St. Mary's County require a separate city liquor license?
Yes. St. Mary's County requires a Alcohol Beverage Board of St. Mary's County License in addition to the Maryland state license. St. Mary's County issues its own alcohol licenses through the Alcohol Beverage Board (five members appointed by the Governor) — separate from state ATCC. Annual fees by class: Class A-1 off-sale 7-day $400, Class A-2 off-sale 6-day $300, Class B restaurant $650, Class B hotel $1,000, Class C club/nonprofit $350, Class D tavern 6-day $250, Class D tavern 7-day $650. These are among the lowest county fees in Maryland. Class A (off-sale/package store) licenses are subject to a quota of one per 1,350 residents per election district — package store licenses can be scarce in certain districts. The Board meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown.
What zoning do I need for a bar or restaurant in St. Mary's County?
300-foot proximity rule from places of worship and public/private schools — measured wall-to-nearest-point. Exception: Leonardtown (county seat) is exempt from the 300-foot restriction. Drive-through alcohol sales are prohibited and non-transferable — a 2024 enforcement action shut down an establishment for this violation. Out-of-state license holders may not hold a Class A or Class D license.
Local licensing resources for St. Mary's County
Maryland State License — Full Details
City requirements are only part of the picture. See all license types, fees, and state-level requirements for Maryland.
Maryland liquor license guide →