Ch. 503 1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(e) (1) The State Comptroller:

(i) Shall approve and certify each alcohol awareness program that is
in compliance with this section; and

(ii) May require recertification of the approved program to insure
compliance with any changes in the program.

(2) Any individual who is authorized or employed to teach an alcohol
awareness program must obtain an alcohol awareness instructor's permit.

(3) Each local licensing board is responsible for enforcing this section,
including the penalty provision.

(4) (i) A certificate of completion shall be issued for each completion of a
certified program and it shall be valid for 4 years from the date of issuance.

(ii) An up-to-date valid certificate shall be presented to the proper
authority upon request.

(5) (i) Within 5 days after a licensee or an employee of a licensee is sent
a certificate of completion, the program provider shall inform the appropriate local
licensing board of:

1. The individual's name, address, and certification date; and

2. The name and address of the licensed establishment.

(ii) Any program provider who violates the provisions of this
subsection is subject to a decertification of the program by the State Comptroller.

(f) (1) This section may not be construed to create or enlarge any civil cause of
action or criminal proceeding against a licensee.

(2) Evidence of a violation of this section may not be introduced in any civil
or criminal proceeding, but may only be used as evidence before the local licensing board
in actions brought before the board for violations of this section.

(g) The Comptroller may issue regulations to set standards and requirements
pertaining to course content, course duration, course format and any other course related
activities the Comptroller may require.

Chapter 253 of the Acts of 1995

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1995. [ It shall remain in effect for a period of 2 years and, at the end of
September 30, 1997, with no further action required by the General Assembly, the
provisions of this Act shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect.]

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
July 1, 1997.

Approved May 8, 1997.

- 2878 -