1. (a) In this section, “population ratio quota” means one license for every 3,000 individuals residing in the election district where the license will be issued:

   1. (1) as determined by the last federal population census; but
   2. (2) excluding individuals detained or confined in a correctional facility as defined in § 1-101 of the Correctional Services Article.
2. (b) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the Board may not issue a Class A off-sale license, a Class B on- and off-sale license, or a Class D on- and off-sale license in an election district if the number of licenses exceeds the population ratio quota.

3. (c) The Board may:

   1. (1) issue a Class A off-sale license, a Class B on- and off-sale license, or a Class D on- and off-sale license if the Board:

      1. (i) determines that there is a public need and desire, including government-sanctioned economic revitalization; and
      2. (ii) states in the order issuing the license the reasons for its decision to exceed the population ratio quota; or
   2. (2) renew the license or approve the transfer of a license for the same premises.

4. (d) The Board may issue an on-sale license to a restaurant that:

   1. (1) is located in a permanent building;
   2. (2) regularly sells and serves food to the public;
   3. (3) has a seating capacity of at least 50 persons; and
   4. (4) has annual gross sales of food and nonalcoholic beverages that exceed its annual gross sales of alcoholic beverages.

Added by Acts 2016, c. 41, § 2, eff. July 1, 2016. Amended by Acts 2016, c. 465, § 1, eff. July 1, 2016.