News Summary
Governor Wes Moore has made significant changes to Baltimore’s Board of Liquor License Commissioners by removing three members, including longtime head Albert Matricciani Jr. Donald L. Chambers Jr. has been appointed, while Granville Templeton III will continue serving. The restructuring aims to improve alcohol licensing and address previous concerns about enforcement and community relations. Matricciani’s tenure includes both accomplishments and criticisms regarding the board’s handling of alcohol-serving establishments. This shift could signal a new direction for liquor regulation in Baltimore.
Baltimore
Governor Wes Moore has made significant changes to the management of Baltimore’s Board of Liquor License Commissioners by removing three of its four members, including longtime head Albert Matricciani Jr. The removals, which were confirmed on Wednesday, also include former Baltimore City Council member Edward L. Reisinger and alternate member Harvey Jones.
In their place, Donald L. Chambers Jr. has been appointed to the board, while Granville Templeton III will continue to serve after being reappointed for another term. The governor’s appointments office is currently working to fill the remaining two vacant seats created by these removals.
Details of the Removals
Matricciani expressed surprise at his ousting, especially given his nearly decade-long tenure on the board. His original appointment came in 2016 under former Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and then-City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young. This appointment occurred after a change in state law that transferred the appointment powers from then-Governor Larry Hogan to the city. However, an amendment to the law last year restored the governor’s authority to make these appointments and removals.
Achievements and Challenges During Tenure
Throughout his time on the board, Matricciani felt proud of several accomplishments, particularly the modernization of operations following a critical state audit. A key achievement under his leadership was the introduction of a community liaison role aimed at fostering better relationships between residents and alcohol-serving businesses. This role was designed to resolve disputes more efficiently, as previously, disagreements would often lead to lengthy board hearings.
Today, the majority of these liquor board hearings can be completed in one to two hours, which represents a significant improvement over past practices. However, Matricciani’s leadership was not without criticism. Several community members and local law enforcement officials expressed concerns that the board had been too lenient regarding complaints related to alcohol-serving establishments. Critics, including representatives from the Community Law Center, have argued that the board did not adequately address businesses with multiple violations.
Board’s Regulatory Environment
Matricciani noted the difficulties in enforcing regulations while trying to be sympathetic to new licensees who may not fully understand local alcohol laws. He recognized that many new business owners come from diverse backgrounds and may find the regulations complex and challenging to navigate.
Looking Forward
The recent restructuring of the liquor board reflects an intent to reassess how alcohol licensing is handled in Baltimore, potentially paving the way for stricter enforcement and clearer communication between the board and the community. The upcoming appointments offer an opportunity for new members who may bring different perspectives and strategies to the licensing process, which could address previous concerns raised by the public and community organizations.
As Baltimore continues to grow and evolve, the changes to the Board of Liquor License Commissioners will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of the city’s alcohol regulation and its relationship with residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Salvadoran Restaurateur Expands Culinary Ventures in Baltimore
Greene Turtle Restaurant in Towson to Close by End of 2023
MnDOT Pauses Roadwork in Honor of Fallen Contractors
Greene Turtle Sports Bar in Towson to Close This Year
The Greene Turtle in Towson to Close Due to License Issues
Additional Resources
- The Banner: Wes Moore and Baltimore Liquor Board
- CBS News: Governor Wes Moore’s Convenience Store Changes
- Baltimore Sun: Liquor Board Appointments Debate
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Liquor License for Board Game Bar
- WMAR2 News: Fells Point Bar Owners Frustration
- Wikipedia: Liquor License
- Google Search: Maryland Liquor Board
- Google Scholar: Liquor Board Licensing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Liquor License
- Google News: Baltimore Liquor Board
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
