May 16, 2002

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 258 - Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Multiple Licenses.

This bill repeals the provision that limits the number of Class H (beer and wine) licenses in Anne Arundel County that may be issued to a person who independently owns and operates a restaurant that is part of a common franchise corporate entity. The bill specifies that a franchisor may not have a direct ownership interest in more than two alcoholic beverages licenses. The bill also authorizes the Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners to issue a Class H (beer and wine) license or a Class H (beer, wine, and liquor) license to the holder of a Class B license that prohibits off-premises sales who held that license on June 1, 2002 if the restaurant for which the original Class B license that has been issued or the additional Class H license to be issued meets specific geographic criteria. The license commissioners are required to define "direct ownership interest."

House Bill 146, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 258.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor