ANNAPOLIS (Jan. 19, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley joined with Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., House Speaker Michael E. Busch, today to sign emergency legislation that would allow the sale of alcoholic beverages in Anne Arundel County for an hour past closing time on Inauguration Day. Establishments interested must apply to the Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners or the City of Annapolis Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and pay a $200 fee.
The bill reads: "Providing that in Anne Arundel County or the City of Annapolis, an establishment licensed for alcoholic beverages with an on–sale privilege that is open on Inauguration Day may remain open for 1 hour past its normal closing time for consumption on the premises only, on payment of a $200 fee to the Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners or the City of Annapolis Alcohol Beverage Control Board, as appropriate; and making the Act an emergency measure."
“As we come together as a state and a nation to celebrate this historic occasion, I want to remind Marylanders to be safe as we celebrate Inauguration festivities across the State,” said Governor O’Malley in a prepared statement. “Having a plan to get home safely, designating a driver, and making sure we all look out for one other is important on this historic occasion.”