Since Prohibition in 1920, Maryland agencies have partnered with law enforcement to ensure that the laws governing alcohol manufacturing, sales, and distribution are upheld. As part of the ATCC’s ongoing commitment to ensure compliance and public safety, we’ve hosted recent workshops for the region’s retail operators and law enforcement to reduce underage drinking and its associated risks in and around Fells Point.
“Our long history of partnering with Baltimore’s law enforcement, the City Liquor Board, and our great community of business owners creates a safer, stronger environment to protect our youth and level the playing field for hardworking, responsible business owners.”
To prevent the sale of alcohol to minors in the Fells Point neighborhood in Baltimore City, the ATCC participated in a collaboration with the Baltimore City Police Department (BPD), the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC). Since May 2024, we’ve been working in partnership to increase inspections and compliance checks to address unlawful, off-premises sales and/or furnishing of alcoholic beverages to individuals under 21.
In June, the ATCC met with Fells Point restaurant and bar owners and staff to provide compliance recommendations. We shared ATCC resources including staff training and ID verification tools, awareness campaign suggestions, and how-tos on conducting internal audits of their business operations to ensure compliance.
The expertise and experience of our Field Enforcement Division–certified police officers with statewide authority–have increased capacity for the region’s law enforcement to more effectively and efficiently investigate and charge violations. On July 2, we hosted a training workshop for the BPD, BCSO, and BLCC on how to issue citations for individuals who attempt to sell or furnish alcoholic beverages without a license and/or sell or furnish alcoholic beverages to underage individuals. Our Fells Point initiative wraps up in early September, but we will continue to support our law enforcement partners and share our knowledge in any way needed.
Questions about specific enforcement questions, contact ATCC Acting Deputy Director of the Field Enforcement Division, Jeffrey Herndon, at 410-260-6621 or jeffreyh.herndon@maryland.gov.
