ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland General Assembly is reviewing House Bill 835, a measure that would change alcohol sales and consumption rules at Regency Furniture Stadium, home of Southern Maryland’s baseball team, the Blue Crabs.
Proposed Alcohol Regulations at Charles County Stadium
HB 835, introduced by the Charles County delegation, would prohibit alcohol sales in parking areas in an effort to curb excessive drinking and tailgating-related incidents.
If passed, the bill would allow patrons to carry and consume beer and wine throughout the stadium, except in parking areas. It would also ban the use of Styrofoam containers for serving alcoholic beverages, requiring drinks to be served in plastic, paper, or other non-glass containers to support environmental sustainability. Liquor consumption would remain limited to enclosed dining areas and bars within the stadium.
Sen. Ellis Backs Bill for Public Safety, Sustainability
Sen. Arthur Ellis, D-Charles, supports the bill’s Senate counterpart, SB 731, citing public safety and environmental concerns.
“This Senate bill will move Charles County toward taking a responsible approach to alcohol regulation, ensuring that drinking at stadium events remains safe, controlled, and environmentally conscious,” Ellis said in a Feb. 19 statement.
He added that restricting alcohol inside the stadium would reduce tailgating-related misuse and potential safety risks. The Styrofoam ban aligns with efforts to reduce nonbiodegradable waste.
Next Steps for the Bill
The bill is under review in the House Economic Matters Committee, with further deliberation expected before a final vote. While it is not projected to have a significant fiscal impact on state or local revenues, stadium vendors may need to adjust their serving practices. If approved, the law would take effect on July 1, 2025.
Read the bill and related testimony here.
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