Compliance Program & Civil Citation Information

Underage Compliance Program

The Frederick County Liquor Board conducts routine underage compliance checks to ensure licensees are adhering to state and local laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to individuals under 21. These checks are conducted with the assistance of trained underage operatives under the direct supervision of Board Inspectors. The goal of the program is to promote public safety, encourage responsible practices among license holders, and reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. 

During our third quarter July, August, and September 2025, 52 establishments were inspected, 40 passed and 12 sold alcohol to underage buyers.

During the fiscal year, July 2024 through July 2025, 259 establishments were inspected, 218 passed and 41 sold alcohol to underage buyers. This is a failure rate of 15.83%.  

News Release including a list of pass/fail establishments.

Civil Citation Program

If a server or employee is found to have sold or provided alcohol to an underage individual during a compliance check, the Inspector may issue a Civil Citation. The first offense citation carries a $125 fine, which must be paid within 30 days of issuance. Failure to pay the fine may result in a summons to appear in court. The individual also has the option to decline payment and elect to appear in court instead.

Civil Citations may also be written for overservice, allowing outside alcohol, and tampering with an original alcohol container.

This program is designed to hold individuals accountable for unlawful alcohol sales while reinforcing the importance of compliance with alcohol regulations. For more information about Civil Citations, please see the Civil Citation Public Notice.

Civil Citations Issued