ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine and spirits. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement and education for more than 1,000 businesses. It generates more than $30 million in net income annually for the County.
To mark the anniversary, Silver Branch Brewing of Silver Spring created a custom beer for ABS named “Together We Can—70th Anniversary Cold IPA.” Together We Can highlights the expansion of breweries supported by ABS in the County over the past decade.
Old Line Spirits in Baltimore created two custom whiskeys especially for the ABS anniversary. The whiskeys are the “Pat’s Pick, American Single Malt Whiskey Cask Strength Private Barrel” and the “Perennial Pick, American Single Malt Whiskey Cask Strength Private Barrel.”
In 1933, at the end of Prohibition, the Montgomery County Liquor Board was formed to uphold alcohol laws. On July 1, 1951, the County Department of Liquor Control was created. In 2019, the department officially changed its name to Alcohol Beverage Services to showcase its commitment to customer service and highlight the full breadth of products it offers.
“For 70 years, ABS has served Montgomery County well, and over the past few years, has successfully refocused its efforts on improved customer service and efficiency,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “ABS provides the County with millions of dollars in revenues that help fund government operations. I want to congratulate and thank ABS for its service, professionalism and innovation.”
Over seven decades, ABS has serviced thousands of local businesses throughout the County and welcomed millions of shoppers into its retail stores. In 1951, net income was approximately $579,750 for the department’s liquor and beer divisions. In 2020, department net income was $30,816,091, a 50-fold increase.
Over the past 10 years, ABS has generated more than $298 million in net income, with a large portion of the funds deposited in the County’s general fund to pay down debt and for resident services that would otherwise be funded by tax dollars.
“We are honored to be a part of the Montgomery County community and provide much more than a financial benefit,” said ABS Director Kathie Durbin. “We realize ABS is a resource to our customers of all types and we are committed to providing creative solutions and outstanding service while building deeper relationships with all of those that we serve.”
For additional information on ABS, visit its website at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/ABS/anniversary/.
