Dorchester County businesses looking at a reworked alcohol licensing agreement, but budget issues still at the forefront

DORCHESTER, COUNTY, Md. – Dorchester County is considering licensing alcohol more efficiently. District 37, Maryland State Senator John Mautz is behind both Senate Bill 862 and 802. He said it makes sense. “The Dorchester County bills are basically to enable the issuance of the liquor license in Downtown Cambridge.”

The bills would effectively add 10 percent to the licensing fees and allow businesses to sell even in proximity to a church or school. Both the school and church would have to sign a letter of consent, but Senator Mautz recognizes the economic impact and believes it will make things easier.

“Currently, there are limits on where the alcohol license could be issued in proximity to a school or place of worship.”

Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce President, Bill Christopher, said the proposed bills have positive impacts. However, he insists it won’t help the county cut into the state deficit.

“I don’t think it’s going to help with the deficit caused by blueprint or some other issues. Right now, they’re pushing a lot of costs back from the state to the counties.”

Christopher is preparing for the county to force taxpayers to pay to the county, instead of the state. He believes the licensing fees will push the county in the right direction economically, but knows it won’t help what’s likely coming.

“It is not solving a problem, it’s shifting it, and I think that’s a bigger issue for the county right now, in terms of what’s going to happen financially.”