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County Allows Alcohol Sales After 10 p.m. with Waiver; Updated Executive Order Sets Clear Guidelines for Late-Night Alcohol Sales Program

For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 1, 2020

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, after consultation with County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles, has issued an updated executive order that allows food service establishments to serve alcohol after 10 p.m.  The County’s new Late-Night Alcohol Sales Program requires businesses to apply for a permit to serve alcohol after 10 p.m.  The updated executive order was approved today, Oct. 1, by the Montgomery County Council and goes into effect immediately.  The changes to the executive order amend Executive Order 114-20. 

The order allows food service establishments with no prior history of citations or closing due to COVID-19 related violations to apply for a permit which would allow for alcohol service from 10 p.m. to midnight. Under the County’s Late-Night Alcohol Sales Program, establishments that receive a permit will be subject to frequent and unscheduled inspections.  Those found violating any of the requirements of the Late-Night Alcohol Sales Program will be subject to:

  • immediate revocation of the permit;

  • suspension or revocation of their license to sell alcohol; and/or

  • fines up to $20,000. 

The program will be automatically suspended if:

  • the County’s three-day test positivity average exceeds 3.25 percent;

  • the three-day average of confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeds 100;

  • there is an increased association of indoor and outdoor dining with COVID-19 positive contacts of greater than 3 percent combined;

  • or more than 10 percent of inspected participants result in findings that warrant a citation, closure or revocation of a permit.

To apply for a COVID-19 Late-Night Permit, visit the Alcohol Beverage Services website

For the latest Reopening Montgomery updates, visit the County’s website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCountyMD.

Put the “count” in Montgomery County! Be sure to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s safe, confidential, easy, and important. #2020Census #EveryoneCountsMCMD 

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Release ID: 20-551
Media Contact: Mary Anderson 240-777-6507