The Caroline County Board of License Commissioners convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss potential changes to festival liquor permits, a topic that has garnered significant interest from local businesses. The meeting aimed to address the current limitations on retail liquor sales at festivals and explore legislative changes that could expand opportunities for local vendors.

Robin, a local business owner, presented her concerns regarding the existing regulations that restrict retail liquor sales at festivals. Currently, only breweries, wineries, and distilleries can participate in such events, leaving retail liquor stores without a viable avenue to sell their products. Robin highlighted that the existing permit system is outdated and does not accommodate the needs of local businesses, particularly in Caroline County, where nonprofit-organized liquor festivals are nonexistent.

The discussion revealed that the current festival permit allows for limited participation, with restrictions on the number of events and types of organizations that can host them. Robin emphasized the need for a more flexible permit system, similar to those in other states, which allows for one-day or multi-day festival permits. She argued that allowing retail liquor stores to sell at festivals would not only benefit local businesses but also enhance the overall festival experience for attendees.

The board members acknowledged the need for legislative changes and discussed the possibility of crafting a proposal to present to the county commissioners during their upcoming meeting with the state delegation in September. The goal is to have a clear plan in place to advocate for changes that would allow retail liquor stores to participate in local festivals.

In addition to festival permits, Robin expressed the need to revise the regulations governing farmer's market participation, which currently limit vendors to just three appearances per year. She argued that this restriction is impractical, given the seasonal nature of farmer's markets.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of updating the liquor permit regulations to better reflect the current market and community needs. The board plans to gather more information on how other counties manage festival permits and will work towards developing a proposal that could lead to legislative changes at both the local and state levels. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact local businesses and the community's ability to host vibrant festivals in the future.