Under Maryland law, any container of beer with a capacity of at least four gallons must have a beer keg registration form affixed to the keg at the time of purchase from a retail dealer.
Each retail dealer who engages in the off-premise sale of beer kegs must take the following steps:
- Obtain beer keg registration booklets by completing a booklet order form and submitting it to the Motor-fuel, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit of the Revenue Administration Division.
- Require identification to make sure the purchaser is at least 21 years of age.
- Complete part A of the registration form and have the purchaser complete and sign part B.
- Affix the completed registration decal on the keg at the time of purchase.
- Remove the registration decal from the keg upon its return from the purchaser and before the keg is returned to the beer wholesaler.
Retailers must retain the completed keg registration booklet on the license premises for at least 30 days. Under the law, retailers are also authorized, but not required, to charge the purchaser a fee to cover administrative and processing expenses.
Quantities will be limited to a six-month supply, based on the retailer’s size, needs and past orders. Order forms are also provided to local liquor boards and may be available from participating beer wholesalers who have agreed to assist in providing the initial order form.
For more information about beer keg registration, contact the Motor-fuel, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit at 410-260-7131 from Central Maryland or 1-888-784-0145 from elsewhere in Maryland. See also Bulletin AB-2 issued in 1994.
Questions about enforcement of the beer keg registration law should be directed to the board of license commissioners in each respective jurisdiction.
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