About us

WHo we are

BCLBA is a non–profit trade organization, founded in 1976, for the purpose of preserving and protecting the interests of alcohol beverage retailers located in Baltimore County. Through volunteering, licensees serving as Officers and Board members work toward the common goal of all licensees, “To protect the rights and privileges of business owners against anti-alcohol groups, higher taxes, and unfavorable regulations, thereby ensuring the health and integrity of the alcohol industry.”

We are the largest and most effective alcohol beverage organization in Baltimore County, successfully advocating for the livelihood and prosperity of independent retailers for over 40 years.

what we do

BCLBA manages a Political Action Committee (PAC) Fund. Funds are raised to support legislators who work hard to support the alcohol beverage industry and to educate our elected officials about our specific issues and concerns. 

BCLBA participates and contributes to MSLBA’s Public Relations Fund to help support licensees in the fight against chain store licensing in Maryland. This is a very real threat to the existence of small businesses and this battle is a constant, year-after-year effort. 

BCLBA’s Legislative Committee meets weekly during the Legislative Session to monitor legislation that affects the alcohol beverage industry. History has demonstrated the need for representation in Annapolis. Coupled with the team effort of alcohol beverage licensees, we have successfully fought legislation that is detrimental to the alcohol beverage industry and introduced legislation that profits all licensees.

benefits of joining

In addition to enjoying numerous BCLBA benefits, their representation of all licensed alcohol beverage retailers (including taverns, restaurants, liquor stores, hotels and fraternal clubs) encourages a unique membership who share similar goals. 

The diverseness of BCLBA provides opportunities to gain knowledge and experience from business owners who profit from the same policies that will aid you in your business. 

BCLBA serves as more than just a membership in an association, it is a place where your voice is heard and understood. 

Profit from fellow entrepreneurs at BCLBA who work hard to enhance as well as to secure your business success. 

There is no doubt, strength is found in numbers and at BCLBA, our strength is founded upon our unity.

Accomplishments

  • Defeated legislation that would have allowed chain and grocery store licensing 

  • Defeated legislation that would have allowed large-scale retailers to hold multiple licenses 

  • Supported Legislation that prohibited the MD Lottery from moving forward with on-line lottery without legislative approval 

  • Defeated legislation that would have increased alcohol excise tax

  • Defeated Civil Liability (Dram Shop) legislation that would hold licensed establishments monetarily responsible for actions of intoxicated patrons 

  • Defeated legislation that would have allowed direct shipment of kosher wine by out-of-state retailers to any address in Maryland 

  • Defeated legislation that would have mandated all bars and restaurants recycle all aluminum, glass and plastic bottles 

  • Successfully fought to maintain the value of restaurant licenses when dramatic changes to liquor laws were proposed by the County Executive 

  • After years of opposing the Maryland wineries on legislation that would allow them special privileges, we worked jointly with the MD wineries on legislation in 2010 that benefits both wineries and retailers 

  • Introduced legislation to repeal the Soda Fountain License tax 

  • MSLBA & ABL were successful in lobbying congress to eliminate the Special Occupational Tax, saving every licensee $250 annually 

  • Introduced legislation that requires liquor license applicants to show proof of citizenship or alien status 

  • Supported legislation that allows Class A licensees to hold up to 104 beer, wine & liquor tastings per year 

  • LOTTERY AGENTS’ SALES COMMISSION— defeated legislation that would have reduced lottery agents’ commission and bonuses and incentives. 

  • Introduced legislation that allows holders of Class A, B & D licenses to fill “Growlers” of draft beer for consumption off the premises.

  • Introduced legislation that prevents companies that are not wineries from shipping to MD 

  • Defeated proposed legislation that would have allowed Maryland breweries to also be full-fledged on & off premise retailers with no limits on retail sales. 

  • Defeated legislation that would have required retailers who cash more than 10 checks monthly to pay a $1200 annual license fee.