Happy Spring! In our continuing drive to be an educational, accessible, service-driven, and transparent resource for Maryland consumers, businesses, and visitors, we welcome you to the inaugural edition of the ATCC's newsletter, "ATCC CONNECT." With each issue, we hope to give you a glimpse of ATCC activities that are not always readily apparent, introduce you to many of our exceptional colleagues working on your behalf, and provide some behind the scenes perspectives.
It is our intent to publish this newsletter on a regular basis, though we have not yet determined what that basis will be as we continue to build out our technology platform and capabilities. Our desire is that each edition be a useful and interesting publication that complements our multipronged approach to keeping you informed and us accountable. Please feel free to comment or offer suggestions on topics you want to see by sending an email to atcc.info@maryland.gov. In case you miss an edition, current and past editions of ATCC CONNECT will be available on our website at ATCC.Maryland.gov.
On behalf of the ATCC, our best to you,
IN THIS ISSUE
ATCC Commits to Supporting Maryland's Brewing Industry at Guilford Hall Meeting
Maryland General Assembly 2024: Alcohol Days in the House and Senate
ATCC Lends a Hand: A Day of Community Volunteering at the Franciscan Center
ATCC Commits to Supporting Maryland's Brewing Industry at Guilford Hall Meeting
On January 31, 2024, Guilford Hall Brewery in Baltimore hosted a gathering of the Brewers Association of Maryland, and invited the Alcohol Tobacco and Cannabis Commission (ATCC), the Office of the Maryland Comptroller, and Maryland's brewing community to attend. Executive Director Jeffrey A. Kelly, joined by Director Thomas R. Akras, of the Legal and Legislative Division were honored to attend and show the ATCC’s support for brewers as they navigate regulations and challenges in alcohol manufacturing.
Executive Director Kelly addressed the gathering to discuss modernization, regulatory compliance, and the ATCC’s commitment to conducting more inspections. Kelly explained, "Our role involves conducting more inspections of the breweries, wineries, and distilleries we license. The purpose of these inspections is two-fold: not to find fault, first, to potentially recognize that you are doing things right. Secondly, to encourage you to remain within the legal framework."
Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman was also a featured speaker at the event. Comptroller Lierman discussed her office's initiatives to modernize systems, such as moving to a new online tax portal called Maryland Tax Connect. Comptroller Lierman also highlighted new programs, including the private letter rulings allowing businesses to get state tax opinions. Other representatives from the Comptroller’s Office joined Comptroller Lierman to answer questions about tax and regulatory issues affecting Maryland's breweries.
The Brewers Association of Maryland meeting is an example of open communication between regulators and the brewing industry. By responding to questions on crucial issues such as excise taxes, production limits, and the intricacies of alcohol and cannabis regulations, the ATCC shows its commitment to creating policies that support the brewing community and are guided by a deep understanding of the industry's needs. The ATCC thanks the Brewer's Association of Maryland for inviting the agency to its January meeting and is eager to engage with groups in each segment of the alcoholic beverages industry at events like this throughout Maryland.
Maryland General Assembly 2024: Alcohol Days and ATCC’s FY25 Budget in the House and Senate
Alcoholic Beverage Days
Every year dozens of alcoholic beverage bills are introduced in the Maryland General Assembly which may have an impact on a specific county community, or could affect commerce throughout the State. These bills can only become Maryland law after careful consideration by the House of Delegates and State Senate during a 90 day session from January to April, a majority vote in each house, and final action by the Governor.
To shape these bills, each session the House Economic Matters Committee and Senate Finance Committee schedule their own date, known as “Alcohol Day,” for all alcoholic beverage bills to be heard by their Committee and give supporters and opponents an opportunity to present testimony to the respective committees.
This year on February 19, 2024 the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) first attended the House Economic Matters Committee’s Alcohol Day, and then returned to Annapolis to attend the Senate Finance Committee’s own Alcohol Day on February 23, 2024. The ECM Committee considered a total of 43 bills on February 19th, and the Senate Finance Committee considered 38 alcoholic beverage bills on February 23th. These bills, ranging from local matters to state-wide changes, have continued though consideration by each chamber, and by April 8th Maryland citizens will see many of these alcoholic beverages bills eventually become law either when the Governor signs the bill within the allotted time, or the bill is not vetoed within 30 days after the Maryland General Assembly passes the bill.
The ATCC’s participation throughout the legislative process is not limited to alcohol law, and we observe and offer information to lawmakers on bills related to tobacco and cannabis that are discussed throughout the session as well. The ATCC strives to balance regulatory stability with the innovative policies and challenges that Maryland’s new laws will address. By closely working with lawmakers, licensing administrators, and industry representatives, the agency ensures that the State’s regulatory framework is consistent and effectively supports and protects consumers and businesses across Maryland.
ATCC FY25 Budget Hearings
Each year the ATCC is required to present and testify in support of its fiscal year budget to the Maryland General Assembly to the appropriate House of Delegates and Senate committees. In the House of Delegates, the Subcommittee for Public Safety and Administration under the Appropriations Committee oversees the ATCC’s budget. In the Senate, the Subcommittee for Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment has jurisdiction over the agency’s budget.
On February 29, 2024, the ATCC appeared before the Maryland House Subcommittee for Public Safety and Administration to testify in support of the agency’s FY25 budget. Appearing before the Subcommittee, Executive Director Jeff Kelly responded to questions asked by Chair Jazz Lewis and other legislators concerning its budget. In his comments, Kelly highlighted that he was “happy to report that the ATCC was able to hire 21 of the 22 new pins” that the General Assembly awarded to the agency in FY24.
On March 4, 2024, the ATCC testified before the Maryland Senate Subcommittee for Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment in support of its FY25 budget. Both Kelly and Thomas R. Akras, Director of the Legal and Legislative Division, provided testimony and answered questions of Chair Sarah Elfreth and members of the Subcommittee.
Kelly and Akras informed the Subcommittee of its efforts during FY24 to perform outreach to jurisdictions throughout the State regarding the ATCC’s enforcement strategy as it relates to the unlicensed cannabis market. In response to a question, Akras stated that the ATCC included County Executives, State’s Attorney’s, and law enforcement to advise them of the impact of the Cannabis Reform Act and “set up relationships with the key players” in each jurisdiction to ensure appropriate prosecutions for unlicensed cannabis sales.
Through such engagement, the ATCC effectively balances the need for regulatory adjustments with the necessity to craft a regulatory framework that addresses industry challenges, meets licensee needs, ensures compliance with Maryland's alcohol regulations, and harmonizes business interests with consumer protection.
ATCC Lends a Hand: A Day of Community Volunteering at the Franciscan Center
On February 8, 2024, Executive Director Jeff Kelly and a cross-section of staff from each division of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) dedicated a day of service at the Franciscan Center of Baltimore. This volunteer effort, organized and led by executive associate Jessica Honeycutt, was a unique opportunity for the ATCC’s executive team, field enforcement officers, and licensing professionals to work together in a different capacity and give back to the community that the agency now calls home.
The Franciscan Center's staff put ATCC to work chopping ingredients, packing lunches, building toiletry/supply kits, and distributing supplies to the center’s clients. While the volunteer team stepped away from their usual regulatory and compliance duties, supervisors and team members back at the office and in the field served in the same spirit by covering their peers' responsibilities.
Service is a core value for the agency, but this event highlighted the impact of direct support and compassion for those in need and the rewarding perspective that work provides.
The Franciscan Center's initiatives extend far beyond a single day of volunteering. They offer programs to aid Baltimore's economically disadvantaged that include distributing food and clothing, assisting with applications for birth certificates and other vital records, providing access to health care, and offering employment skills training in fields like the culinary arts or technology.
Through these comprehensive efforts the Center meets immediate needs and fosters long-term self-sufficiency and independence among those it serves.
For the ATCC, supporting the center reflects the importance we place on community engagement and contribution. Service is a transformative experience, both in terms of impact on the community and on the bond between volunteers - the ATCC staff is eager to participate in events like this throughout the year and across the State.
We’d encourage our licensees and regulatory partners to look for opportunities to support their communities as well. Interested individuals near Baltimore can find further information on the Franciscan Center’s work at www.fcbmore.org.
March 2024 Public Commission Meeting
The Alcohol and Tobacco Commission of Control (ATCC) Public Commission Meeting is an essential session where commission members convene to deliberate on the regulation and oversight of alcohol and tobacco sales within the jurisdiction. These meetings comprehensively overview enforcement activities, legislative updates, and strategies. The ATCC is committed to transparency and ensures that community members have access to the latest developments in regulatory efforts and public safety measures. You may see the past meeting archives here.
The April Public Commission Meeeting will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 3:00 PM.