Class C One-Day Special Licenses - Frequently Asked Questions

When is a One-Day License required?
A One-Day license is required if any of the following circumstances apply to your event:

  • The event is open to the public. There is no private guest list, or anyone can walk in uninvited.

  • There is a fee associated with the event. There is a ticket price, a cash bar, donation for attendance, door charge, or aother product sales such as art.

  • There are other fundraising activities being held at the event, such as a silent auction or a "Basket of Cheer" consisting of certain alcoholic beverages.

Who can apply for a One-Day License?
Any nonprofit club, society, or association holding a bona fide event may apply for a Class C One-Day Special License to serve or sell alcoholic beverages.

How will LRE verify my nonprofit status?
You will need to submit a copy of your Letter of Determination that was issued to your organization by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To receive a Letter of Determination, please contact IRS at 1-800-829-3676 or visit the IRS website.

How do I apply for a One-Day License?
You can apply online
Please submit applications 14 days prior to date of event. 

What is the fee for a One-Day License?
$30 per day for beer and wine, and $60 per day for beer, wine and liquor.

How do I pay for my One-Day License?
The license fee can be paid online once your application has been approved by the Board of License Commissioners. Once you pay, you can print your license and post it the day of the event where people can read it.

When will my license be approved?
The Board of License Commissioners approves One-Day licenses at hearings on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. Licenses will be approved online after the hearings.

Is a security plan necessary when applying for a One-Day License?
A security plan is required for all outdoor events and any other event expecting 300 or more attendees. The security plan should include food menu and security patrol/officers -if necessary.

Where can I hire security?
You may contact the Montgomery County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) at 301-948-4286 or email [email protected]
Request must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event. The cost is a flat rate of $100 per hour with no minimum.

Is an alcohol plan necessary when applying for a One-Day License?
An alcohol plan is required for ALL events. Alcohol plans should include:

  • An alcohol service plan that includes:
    • How will you serve/sell alcohol (bartender, sectioned-off beer garden, etc.)?
    • Who will check ID's and how will drinks be sold (tickets, cash bar, etc.)?
    • If individuals under 21 attend the event, how will they be differentiated from those who are 21 and older?
    • How will you ensure that people don't bring alcohol from an outside source?
    • How will you monitor overservice? will there be other non-alcoholic beverages available as well? 
  • Alcohol policies relating to under 21 alcohol use prevention responsible sales

Does alcohol service have to end by a certain time?
All alcohol service for a One-Day special license must end when your license expires.  This means that alcohol must be cleared off the tables and removed from the event at the time the license expires.  

How do I purchase alcohol for my event?

Alcohol must be purchased from the ABS' warehouse and/or dispensaries, or any off-sale beer and wine licensee located within Montgomery County, Maryland.

To purchase alcohol from ABS:

  • Email [email protected] or fax 240-777-1909 your license number along with item numbers of the product you would like for your event. You will need your a copy of your license and product codes to be able to purchase from the ABS Warehouse. 
  • Visit one of the retail stores (including the new Oak, Barrel and Vine) for smaller quantities. You will need a copy of your license and must provide your PIN during checkout.
  • Warehouse orders can be placed up to two weeks in advance of an event, once a one day license has been issued. Note: some special orders may not arrive by the event date.
  • Alcohol can be purchased or picked up no more than 2 (two) days prior to the event date.  

What is the alcohol return policy for One-Day events?
Alcohol purchased from ABS can be returned up to 2 (two) days after the end of the event during warehouse pick up days/times which are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

One-Day event license holders may return only ten percent (10%) of total number of cases ordered for event.  They must be stock items that are full cases, unchilled and/or untapped kegs.  Partial cases, product that has been chilled, and/or special order items may not be returned.  All returns of warehouse orders must be brought to the ABS Warehouse pick-up window following the next pick-up window opening day from the day of the event. The pick-up window is located at 201 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20872 and is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

For returns at one of the ABS stores, receipts must be present at the time of return.

Are refrigerated trucks available for rent?
Please reach out the ABS Communication Center for availability.  If available, refrigerated truck rentals are $450. 

How do I find product price listing?
To view product and current price list for warehouse orders, visit the Licensee portal. Enter your assigned customer number on your license to log in. For ABS stores product search, visit the Search Portal.

Are alcohol donations allowed for One-Day events?
The Board has had many inquiries regarding suppliers or wholesales donating alcoholic beverages for events. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased in accordance with the information outlined in the previous paragraphs. However, the supplier may make a monetary contribution to the charity in the amount of monies necessary to purchase the alcohol.

Can alcohol purchased under a One-Day Special License for a specific day and charity be sold after the license expires?
The alcohol purchased under a One-Day Special License may not be sold after the license expires.  It may not be saved for a future event.  Alcohol receipts must be dated after the One-Day special license was issued.

Can kegs be purchased for my One-Day event?
Yes, kegs must be purchased from the ABS' warehouse and/or dispensaries, or any off-sale beer and wine licensee located within Montgomery County, Maryland. All kegs must be purchased in compliance with the State of Maryland/Montgomery County keg registration requirements.