AB-2 – Beer Keg Registration Requirements
What retailers and local agencies must do to comply with Maryland’s keg registration law
Maryland requires beer kegs to be registered at the time of sale to support age verification and accountability, and this guidance explains the responsibilities of retailers, local boards, and the Comptroller under the law.
What you need to know
- Kegs (4+ gallons) must include a registration form at purchase
- Retailers must verify age and complete registration forms
- Local boards are responsible for enforcement
- Records must be maintained for compliance
Who This Applies To
This guidance applies to:
- Retail licensees selling beer kegs (off-premise)
- Boards of License Commissioners
- Beer wholesalers (support role)
The Requirement
Maryland law requires:
- Any beer container with a capacity of 4 gallons or more
Must:
- Have a keg registration form attached at the time of purchase
Responsibilities by Role
Comptroller
The Comptroller is responsible for:
- Approving and distributing keg registration forms
- Providing order forms for retailers and boards
Local Boards of License Commissioners
Local boards must:
- Adopt regulations to implement the law
- Enforce keg registration requirements
Retail Licensees
Retailers are responsible for completing and managing keg registration.
What Retailers Must Do
Retailers must:
- Obtain keg registration forms
- Verify the purchaser is 21 or older
- Complete required sections of the form
- Have the purchaser complete and sign their portion
- Attach the registration decal to the keg at purchase
- Remove the decal when the keg is returned
- Keep completed records on-site for at least 30 days
Optional Fees
Retailers may:
- Charge a fee to cover administrative costs
This is optional and not required by law.
What This Means for Businesses
Retailers should:
- Train staff on keg registration procedures
- Maintain accurate records
- Ensure all kegs are properly labeled at sale
- Coordinate with local boards for compliance expectations
Important Notes
- This law applies only to off-premise keg sales
- Registration must occur at the time of purchase
- Failure to comply may result in enforcement action
Need Help?
For questions about beer keg registration, contact the ATCC: 410-260-7314 ext. 4 or [email protected]