For Alcohol Tax Reporting and Filing Forms, Please Visit the Maryland Comptroller’s Website.
Applications and Forms
The documents here are in Adobe .PDF format, and you need Adobe Acrobat Reader or higher to view and print them. You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free online. Some forms also support typing information on your computer and printing. Note: All forms have a fill-in feature unless marked with an asterisk (*).
Licenses
Permits
Checklists
Miscellaneous
Alcohol FAQs and Information
These FAQs offer detailed insights into Maryland’s alcohol regulations, including legal age requirements for purchasing, possessing, serving, and selling alcohol, along with historical changes in drinking age laws. They cover employment restrictions in alcohol retail, specific rules varying by county, and guidelines on different alcoholic beverages, import laws, and excise taxes. Additionally, the FAQs provide information for the alcohol industry, including sales tax rates, wine selling permits at markets, retailer record-keeping, catering licenses, and regulations for online alcohol sales and shipping. This guide is essential for anyone needing to understand and follow Maryland’s alcohol laws, whether they are consumers or business operators.
Alcohol Consumer FAQs
Alcohol Industry FAQs
Can a beer manufacturer require a wholesaler to pay extra on a product ordered for advertising funds?
What about the sale of mixers, such as grenadine, lime juice, or other flavoring, that are used as a component in an alcoholic cocktail?
I own a restaurant and have an alcoholic beverage license. How do I charge tax on sales that include both alcoholic beverages and other taxable items?
If I sell food and beverages to groups of more than 10 persons at my restaurant and I impose a mandatory gratuity charge, how should I charge the tax?
I heard that Maryland allows direct shipment of wine from certain vendors. How will the 9% tax on the sale of alcoholic beverages apply to this situation?
I sometimes have my local liquor store special order an alcoholic beverage for me that they normally do not carry in inventory. The store charges me for the amount that it costs to have the item delivered to the store (inbound freight charge) and includes that amount in the taxable price of the product. Is this correct?
I am a caterer and I provide a detailed listing of all of the items that I use in catering an event for my customer. Included in my itemized bill are charges for the food and beverages that I provide, as well as charges for the equipment and supplies that I use and the charges for the servers and the bartenders. How do I apply the different tax rates to my operation?
I am a caterer and I either charge a per-person amount or just issue a lump-sum bill. If I am including alcoholic beverages in my sales, how do I apply the tax?
I have contracted for the right to provide all catering services at a venue from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011. The price, amounts of food and beverages, and other catering specifics are determined on an event-by-event basis and are not included in the contract to provide catering services for the year. What sales and use tax rate will apply to my sales of alcoholic beverages beginning on July 1, 2011?
I offer a Champagne Brunch at my restaurant on weekends. The customers are charged a fixed amount that allows them a buffet-type all-you-can-eat event and one or more alcoholic beverages. How do I apply the tax to this situation?
I own a liquor store and in addition to sales of alcoholic beverages and other merchandise I rent beer kegs and taps. I charge an amount for the beer contained in the keg and then I charge a deposit to ensure that the equipment is returned. When the equipment is returned, the deposit is refunded in full to the customer. However, sometimes the customer does not return the equipment and I retain the deposit as compensation. How will the 9% tax on the sale of alcoholic beverages apply to my situation?
I operate a night club that provides live music and I make sales of food and beverages in connection with the entertainment. How do I apply the admissions and amusement tax on sales of alcoholic beverages that are subject to the 9% sales and use tax rate?
How will the 9% tax apply to events such as wine-tasting or wine festivals, where I am charged a fixed admission that allows samples at no extra charge?
I’ve obtained a license to sell refillable containers (growlers) of draft beer. Are these subject to sales tax? When a customer returns to have a growler refilled, is the growler subject to sales tax again?
I operate a dinner theater where I charge an admission that allows entry to the show along with a meal and two free alcoholic drinks. How do I apply the tax to my business?
Reports and Statistics Regarding Alcohol Tax
The following reports are part of a collection of annual and monthly revenue reports published by the Comptroller’s Office. For a full listing of reports, see Spotlight on Maryland’s Money.
- Alcohol Tax Annual Report:In compliance with Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article, Section 1-306 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, this report reviews the agency’s activities and details revenue collections and comparisons, license information, consumption figures and other statistics.
- For more information on Direct Wine Shipment please visit Direct Wine Shipment Report.
Associations and Groups Related to Maryland’s Alcohol Industry
Understanding the regulatory landscape and industry support network is crucial for anyone involved in Maryland’s alcohol industry. The following list provides an overview of key government and industry-related organizations that play significant roles in regulating, supporting, and promoting the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages in Maryland. These agencies and associations ensure compliance with laws, advocate for industry interests, and provide valuable resources to businesses and consumers alike. Whether you’re a producer, distributor, retailer, or consumer, familiarizing yourself with these entities will help you navigate the complexities of the alcohol industry in Maryland.
Government or Government-Related Organizations
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is a federal agency that regulates and collects taxes on alcohol and tobacco products. In Maryland, the TTB works alongside state […]
Comptroller of Maryland
Comptroller of Maryland
The Comptroller of Maryland oversees the collection of state taxes, including those related to alcohol sales. This agency ensures proper tax compliance and manages the distribution of alcohol tax revenues, […]
Federation of Tax Administrators
Federation of Tax Administrators
This organization provides support and resources to state tax authorities, including those in Maryland. It helps standardize tax practices and policies across states, which includes the taxation and regulation of […]
Maryland Alcohol Licensing Association
Maryland Alcohol Licensing Association
The Maryland Alcohol Licensing Association supports local liquor boards in administering state alcohol laws. It provides training, resources, and advocacy to ensure that licensing and enforcement are conducted effectively across […]
Maryland Counties’ Liquor Board Directory
Maryland Counties’ Liquor Board Directory
This directory lists local liquor boards that regulate the sale of alcohol within Maryland counties. These boards are responsible for issuing licenses, conducting inspections, and enforcing local alcohol laws.
Maryland General Assembly
Maryland General Assembly
The Maryland General Assembly is responsible for creating and amending state laws, including those governing alcohol production, distribution, and sales. Legislative decisions directly impact how the alcohol industry operates within […]
Maryland State Attorney General
Maryland State Attorney General
The Maryland State Attorney General’s office plays a critical role in enforcing state alcohol laws. It prosecutes violations, provides legal guidance to regulatory bodies, and ensures consumer protection within the […]
National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
The Maryland Alcohol Licensing Association supports local liquor boards in administering state alcohol laws. It provides training, resources, and advocacy to ensure that licensing and enforcement are conducted effectively across […]
National Conference of State Liquor Administrators
National Conference of State Liquor Administrators
This organization brings together state officials who oversee alcohol laws. It provides a forum for Maryland officials to collaborate with counterparts from other states, share best practices, and address common […]
Industry Organizations
Beer Institute
Beer Institute
The Beer Institute represents the beer industry in the United States, including Maryland brewers. It advocates for fair regulatory practices, promotes industry growth, and supports initiatives that benefit brewers and […]
Brewers Association of Maryland
Brewers Association of Maryland
The Brewers Association of Maryland represents the state’s craft brewers. It works to promote and protect the interests of Maryland’s brewing industry through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
This organization represents producers and marketers of distilled spirits. It works to modernize regulations, promote responsible consumption, and ensure a favorable market environment for distillers in Maryland and beyond.
Maryland Association of Wineries
Maryland Association of Wineries
This association supports Maryland’s wineries through advocacy, marketing, and education. It promotes the growth and quality of local wine production, benefiting both producers and consumers.
Maryland Distillers Guild
Maryland Distillers Guild
The Maryland Distillers Guild supports the state’s distilleries by providing resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities. It aims to enhance the business environment for distillers and promote the growth of the […]
Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association
Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association
The MSLBA advocates for the interests of licensed beverage retailers in Maryland. It provides members with resources, training, and representation in legislative matters affecting the alcohol industry.
National Beer Wholesalers Association
National Beer Wholesalers Association
This association represents beer distributors across the United States, including those in Maryland. It advocates for policies that ensure a fair and competitive market, supporting the efficient distribution of beer […]
Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America
Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America
This organization represents wine and spirits wholesalers, including those operating in Maryland. It advocates for policies that support the distribution sector and ensures a balanced regulatory environment for alcohol wholesalers.
Wine Institute
Wine Institute
The Wine Institute advocates for California wineries, but its work also benefits wineries across the country, including Maryland. It focuses on regulatory issues, trade policy, and public policy that affect […]