Dorchester County - Alcoholic Beverages - Issuance of License Near a Place of Worship or School

HB 568 modifies Dorchester County's alcohol licensing rules to allow new licenses for establishments within 300 feet of a place of worship or school, provided the affected institution provides written consent. The bill amends Maryland law to add an exception (Section 19-1601(b)(4)) to the existing 300-foot restriction, requiring written consent from all nearby places of worship or schools before a license can be issued. This directly affects new businesses seeking alcohol licenses in Dorchester County near religious or educational facilities. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not apply to pre-existing licenses or temporary permits.