1. (a) This section applies only in:

   1. (1) Caroline County;
   2. (2) Carroll County;
   3. (3) Cecil County;
   4. (4) Charles County;
   5. (5) Frederick County;
   6. (6) Howard County;
   7. (7) Somerset County;
   8. (8) Talbot County;
   9. (9) Wicomico County; and
   10. (10) Worcester County.

2. (b) The governing body of a county may:

   1. (1) issue permits for the establishment, operation, or maintenance of a public dance hall, a boxing or wrestling arena, an amusement park, or a tourist camp with cabins for rent;
   2. (2) adopt rules and regulations for the issuance of permits under this section; and
   3. (3) revoke permits issued under this section for cause and after notice and a hearing.
3. (c) A person shall obtain a permit from the governing body of a county before the person may establish, maintain, or operate a public dance hall, a boxing or wrestling arena, an amusement park, or a tourist camp with cabins for rent.

4. (d)

   1. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the County Commissioners of Charles County shall charge a permit fee of:

      1. (i) $50 for issuing the initial permit; and
      2. (ii) $50 annually for renewal of the permit.

   2. (2) A permit holder is exempt from the fee if:

      1. (i) the facility is established, maintained, or operated for purposes of a religious, educational, or fraternal organization; and
      2. (ii) no other person shares the profits and gains from events held in the facility.
5. (e) In Worcester County, this section also applies to a tourist cabin, a motel, an apartment house, a rooming house, or any other structure or building to be rented to four or more persons at one time.

6. (f)

   1. (1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $100 and not exceeding $500 for each offense.
   2. (2) The establishment or place in violation of this section is subject to abatement as a nuisance.

Added by Acts 2013, c. 119, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2013.