WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor

An alcoholic beverages licensee is subject to serious
penalties for violations; because of the prepayment provisions,
which allow a violator to pay a fine in advance and avoid
appearing in court, minors who violate these laws are able to
escape somewhat painlessly. The repeal by the Senate Bill of
these provisions adds significant weight to the penalties, as
violators will have to place themselves within the hands of the
justice system, rather than simply placing a check in the mail.

Because of the repeal of the prepayment provisions, I
believe that Senate Bill 458 is a better approach to the serious
problem of violations of alcoholic beverages laws by minors. For
this reason, I have vetoed House Bill 961.

Sincerely,

William Donald Schaefer

Governor

House Bill No. 961

AN ACT concerning

Alcoholic Beverages - Civil Citations - Posted Warnings

Penalties

FOR the purpose of altering the minimum and maximum amounts of
certain fines for violations of certain alcoholic beverages
laws concerning certain persons; requiring a retail dealer
under the alcoholic beverages laws to post signs containing
certain language; requiring the Comptroller of the Treasury
to print and provide certain signs; and generally relating
to the regulation of alcoholic beverages.

BY adding to

Article 2B - Alcoholic Beverages

Section 118B

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1981 Replacement Volume and 1986 Supplement)

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,

Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments

Section 403A(b) and 403B(a)

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1982 Replacement Volume and 1986 Supplement)

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

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