Heat Warning in Effect

County urges caution during this severe weather event. Visit mypgc.us/StayCool for more info.

Trash Time Change

Due to extreme heat, trash collection throughout the county will begin at 5 am beginning Monday, July 15, 2024. Learn more at mypgc.us/ClearTheCurb.

Prince George's County, Maryland, USA

Liquor Related Complaints

Liquor Related Complaints  


1. What is the legal age to purchase alcohol?
The legal age to purchase alcohol is 21 years old. A licensee or any of his/her employees or agents, may not sell, serve, or furnish or allow the consumption or possession of any alcoholic beverages at any time to any person under the age of 21.

2. What is the legal age to purchase alcohol?
The legal age to purchase alcohol is 21 years old. A licensee or any of his/her employees or agents, may not sell, serve, or furnish or allow the consumption or possession of any alcoholic beverages at any time to any person under the age of 21.

3. Is over serving of alcoholic beverages illegal?
Yes, over serving customers is illegal. In fact, no licensee, his/her agents, or employees may knowingly sell or furnish alcohol to anyone who is disorderly in conduct or is a habitual drunkard or has an intellectual disability.

4. Can water be added to an alcoholic beverage to dilute the alcohol percentage?
No, a licensee, his/her agents, or employees shall not reuse, refill, tamper with, adulterate, dilute, or fortify the contents of any original container of alcoholic beverage.

5. Can a business stay open as long as they choose?
No, operating past business hours in not permitted. A licensee may not alter the mode of operation contained in the original application approved by the Board at the time of issuance of the license. Changes in the mode of operation would include but not be limited to, hours of operation, entertainment, alteration of physical premises, and presentation of food, alcoholic beverages, seats, etc. Changing the hours of operation is permitted, however the licensee must abide by all county, state, and city laws when it pertains to the hours of operation. Board approval must be obtained prior to changing the hours of operation.

6. Are businesses that sell alcoholic beverages permitted to refill bottles?
No, a licensee, his/her agents, or employees shall not reuse, refill, tamper with, adulterate, dilute, or fortify the contents of any original container of alcoholic beverage.

7. Can the Board of license Commissioners (Liquor Board) enforce signage complaints at licensed establishments?
Yes, they can. A licensee shall provide visible access into the licensed premises from the exterior of the licensed premises in order to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons and employees. A Liquor Inspector or other law enforcement officer shall have a clear view into a licensed premises before entering the premises. The Board may require that licensees remove window signs that are deemed by the Board to be excessive or obstructive to view.

8. Is trash on the property of a licensed establishment enforceable by the Liquor Board?
Yes, a licensee may not permit trash and debris to accumulate in or around the licensed premises, its parking lot, or areas immediately adjacent to the licensed premises. The licensee will first be warned and given an opportunity to correct the situation. If not corrected in 15 days, a violation shall be issued.

9. Can a licensee purchase alcohol, for sale, from another licensee?
No, a license holder shall only purchase alcohol from a duly licensed manufacturer or wholesaler.

10. What are the requirements to get a Liquor License for my business?
To get information on how to apply for an alcoholic beverage license, contact the Board of License Commissioners at 301-583-9980 or use the link listed below. https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/boards-commissions/board-license-commissioners/resources/newtransfer-application-process

11. How do I file a complaint against an establishment for violating liquor laws?
To file a complaint on a licensed establishment, contact the Board of License Commissioners at 301-583-9980. You may remain anonymous.