1. (a) A building, vehicle, or premises where alcoholic beverages are authorized to be kept, transported, manufactured, or sold under a license or permit may be inspected and searched, without a warrant, by:

   1. (1) the Comptroller or an authorized deputy, inspector, or clerk of the Comptroller;
   2. (2) the Executive Director or an authorized deputy, inspector, clerk, or other designee of the Executive Director;
   3. (3) the local licensing board of the county or city where the place of business is located or an authorized agent or employee of the local licensing board; and
   4. (4) a peace officer of the county or city where the place of business is located.
2. (b) Evidence discovered during an inspection or search is admissible in a prosecution for the violation of a public general or public local law and in a hearing for the revocation, suspension, or restriction of the license or permit.

3. (c)

   1. (1) If the license holder or permit holder is found not guilty, alcoholic beverages taken as evidence shall be returned to the license holder or permit holder.

   2. (2) If a license or permit holder is found guilty, alcoholic beverages taken as evidence shall be:

      1. (i) sold to other license holders;
      2. (ii) turned over to State institutions for medicinal use; or
      3. (iii) destroyed.
   3. (3) Proceeds from the sale of alcoholic beverages taken as evidence shall be credited to the General Fund of the State or jurisdiction, as appropriate.

Added by Acts 2016, c. 41, § 2, eff. July 1, 2016. Amended by Acts 2020, c. 359, § 1, eff. June 1, 2020; Acts 2020, c. 360, § 1, eff. June 1, 2020; Acts 2023, c. 450, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.