(a) This section only applies in the following counties:
(1) Caroline;
(2) Carroll;
(3) Cecil;
(4) Charles;
(5) Frederick;
(6) Howard;
(7) Somerset;
(8) Talbot;
(9) Wicomico; and
(10) Worcester.
(b) A person, firm or corporation may not establish, maintain or operate
any public dance hall, boxing or wrestling arena, amusement park, or
tourist camp with cabins for hire outside the limits of any municipal
corporation of any county without first obtaining a permit from the
county commissioners of the county.
(c) The county commissioners of the several counties shall have authority
to grant or refuse such permission or to grant the same for such time
and under such rules and regulations as they may deem proper for the
public welfare, and shall also have the right to revoke any such permit
for cause after notice and a hearing.
(d) (1) In Worcester County, the provisions of this section shall also
apply to any tourist cabin, motel, apartment house, rooming house or
other structure or building to be rented to 4 or more persons at any
one time.
(2) (i) In Charles County, except for a facility that qualifies under
subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the County Commissioners shall
charge:
1. $50 for issuing the initial permit; and
2. $50 annually for the renewal of the permit.
(ii) A facility in Charles County provided for under subsection (b) of this
section is exempt from the provisions of subparagraph (i) of this
paragraph if:
1. The facility is established, maintained, or operated for the purposes
of a religious, educational, or fraternal organization; and
2. No other person or corporation shares the profits and gains from events
held in the facility.
(e) Any person, firm or corporation establishing, maintaining or operating
any establishment or place in violation of the provisions of this
section is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be subject
to a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 for each such
offense. The place or establishment shall also be subject to abatement
as a nuisance.
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