{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-alcoholic-beverages-and-cannabis-31-1601","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 31–1601","heading":"","body":"(a) In this section, “population ratio quota” means one license for every 3,000 individuals residing in the election district where the license will be issued:\n(1) as determined by the last federal population census; but\n(2) excluding individuals detained or confined in a correctional facility as defined in § 1–101 of the Correctional Services Article.\n(b) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the Board may not issue a Class A off–sale license, a Class B on– and off–sale license, or a Class D on– and off–sale license in an election district if the number of licenses exceeds the population ratio quota.\n(c) The Board may:\n(1) issue a Class A off–sale license, a Class B on– and off–sale license, or a Class D on– and off–sale license if the Board:\n(i) determines that there is a public need and desire, including government–sanctioned economic revitalization; and\n(ii) states in the order issuing the license the reasons for its decision to exceed the population ratio quota; or\n(2) renew the license or approve the transfer of a license for the same premises.\n(d) The Board may issue an on–sale license to a restaurant that:\n(1) is located in a permanent building;\n(2) regularly sells and serves food to the public;\n(3) has a seating capacity of at least 50 persons; and\n(4) has annual gross sales of food and nonalcoholic beverages that exceed its annual gross sales of alcoholic beverages.","path":["Article - Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gab\u0026section=31-1601","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:56:03Z","sha256":"364055ac192c87f11dd07d84bf2dee4795310b5aaac0889d0d301fba9360829e","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-alcoholic-beverages-and-cannabis-31-1504","next":"us-md/md.-code-alcoholic-beverages-and-cannabis-31-1602"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}