Worcester County, MD Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Worcester County's loitering rule is part of the licensing law for dry nightclubs in § PH 1-108, not a countywide street ordinance. The Code as exported prints the word loitering in this one place. Subsection (m)(16) says loitering outside of the building on any dry nightclub premises shall not be permitted at any time. Subsection (m)(8) adds that patrons will not be permitted to congregate within the parking lot, and that all parking lots must be designed, maintained and lit in such a way as to maximize visibility of both the patrons and their vehicles.

Related standards close off the outdoors further. Subsection (m)(7) allows no activity outside the building other than parking, ingress and egress. Subsection (m)(13) bars a license where granting it could result in excessive traffic congestion or off-site parking. Under subsection (n)(3), the premises must be completely clear of patrons no later than 2:30 a.m., and the only persons allowed are bonafide employees engaged in cleaning or other bonafide employment duties. Alcoholic beverages are banned from the parking area as well as the building under subsection (p), and subsection (q) makes it illegal to permit or possess any weapon, firearm or explosive device on the premises.

Responsibility falls on the licensee. The rules of conduct are the strict responsibility of the licensee, and under subsection (s) any violation of any law on a dry nightclub premises is a violation of the section and of the license. Subsection (k) gives the County Commissioners and their agents an unrestricted and irrevocable right of entry at any time to determine compliance. The section covers only the areas of the County outside incorporated municipalities under subsection (r), so Ocean City, Berlin, Snow Hill and Pocomoke City are not governed by it.