Pre-Licensing Program

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

The Montgomery County, MD Department of Liquor Control (DLC), has embraced small businesses and attracted alcohol manufacturers and innovative restaurateurs through the implementation of a pre-licensing team. This program allows for DLC employees to work hands on with businesses to meet and review business concepts before the application process to offer consultation on the best fitting license type and in many cases aid in the state legislative process to develop or amend alcohol licenses to allow new business concepts to thrive. Small businesses that come to Montgomery County are often looking for guidance on how to implement a new business concept. Starting a new business requires a comprehensive, and sometimes overwhelming, effort on the part of business owners including funding, logistics and layers of permitting. Having a free county resource consisting of licensing experts willing to help along the way has been detrimental to many businesses opening their doors in Montgomery County, MD. The number of alcohol licenses in Montgomery County is continually growing adding to the local economy. Additionally, the long-term savings to the community arising from improved licensing, integrated education and early safety implementation adds greatly to the overall benefits resulting from the program.