Maryland liquor license types, in plain words

What each license or permit allows, in the statute's own words, with a note on who usually holds it. Every filing on the Maryland page is labeled this way.

Class B · Class A · Class B-D-7 · BWL · Tavern · Class D · BW · Arena

Restaurant or hotel, beer, wine and liquor (Class B)

There is a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license.

A restaurant or hotel pouring drinks; some may also sell bottles to go.

Store, beer, wine and liquor to go (Class A)

There is a Class A beer, wine, and liquor license.

A liquor store selling sealed bottles to go.

Tavern, beer, wine and liquor, seven days (Class B-D-7)

There is a Class B–D–7 beer, wine, and liquor license.

A Baltimore tavern open seven days, pouring and selling to go.

Beer, wine and liquor (BWL)

Beer, Wine & Liquor License

Nearly always a restaurant or bar (Class B); a few are clubs or caterers.

Tavern, beer, wine and liquor

Beer, Wine, & Liquor

A neighborhood bar, often on a Class B-D-7 license.

Tavern or bar, beer, wine and liquor (Class D)

Class D (on sale) Beer, Wine, Liquor License

A tavern or bar; in some counties it may also sell to go.

Beer and wine (BW)

Beer & Wine License

Beer and wine only. Montgomery's list doesn't say whether it is poured or sold sealed; the business name usually does.

Arena bars and stands

There is an arena license.

An arena's bars and stands, not a neighborhood place.

Source: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gab&section=12-901&enactments=false, https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gab&section=12-903&enactments=false, https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gab&section=12-904&enactments=false, https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gab&section=12-905&enactments=false, https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gab&section=12-1001&enactments=false, https://data.montgomerycountymd.gov/d/c6rw-fazn, https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/alcohol-beverage-services/licensure-office/board-license-commissioners, https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/liquor-board/hearing-results, https://baltegis.baltimorecity.gov/mapping/rest/services/CityView/Licenses/FeatureServer/0, checked 2026-11-04.

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