A new Maryland law quietly expands what beverages Anne Arundel salons and barbershops can legally serve—without extra licensing or fees.
Most barbershop and beauty salon owners in Anne Arundel County don't realize that a provision buried in SB852 has changed what they're legally permitted to serve their customers. And if you hold an existing salon or barbershop license, this change affects you directly.
What Changed
Under the new law, barbershops and beauty salons in Anne Arundel County that hold the standard $100 annual license may now serve liquor—in addition to beer and wine—on their premises. Previously, the license covered beer and wine only. Now, distilled spirits are permitted as well, limited to 1.7 ounces per customer visit.
The key detail: you don't need a separate license or pay an additional fee to offer this expanded service. The existing $100 annual license covers it automatically once the law takes effect.
Who This Affects
This applies specifically to barbershops and beauty salons in Anne Arundel County holding the license described in Section 11–1002(c) of the county code. If your salon or barbershop operates under this standard license, the provision applies to you.
If you operate outside Anne Arundel County, check your local regulations—this is a county-specific change and does not apply statewide.
What You Need to Know
The change is effective July 1, 2026. That gives you time to plan if you decide to add liquor service to your business model. You won't need to apply for a new license or pay additional fees; your existing $100 annual license will cover the expanded offering.
The 1.7-ounce limit per visit is a regulatory boundary—it's not a suggestion. Staying within that limit is part of operating under the license.
Why It Matters
For salon and barbershop owners, this is a business decision, not a requirement. Some owners may see value in offering a small drink service as part of the customer experience—particularly for longer appointments or special occasions. Others may choose not to pursue it. The law simply removes the licensing barrier if you want to.
If you do decide to serve liquor, you'll want to understand the practical side: storage, liability, staff training, and how it fits your business operations and clientele. Those are separate from the legal permission the law grants.
The Bottom Line
SB852 expands what Anne Arundel County barbershops and beauty salons are permitted to do under their existing license, effective July 1, 2026. Whether to take advantage of that permission is entirely up to you. The law simply makes it an option without adding cost or licensing complexity.
For a detailed, free guide written specifically for Maryland salon and barbershop owners on how this law works and what to consider, contact your local trade association or county business office.