Carroll County, MD Board of License Commissioners, 14 Dec 2022

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From YouTube: Board of License Commissioners December 14, 2022

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https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/boards-commissions/board-of-license-commissioners-liquor-board/

A

B

Pledge of the flag in a moment of silence, that's the voluntary, mr harmony. I pledge.

B

Allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic.

B

For which it stands, one nation, under god, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

B

C

C

Good morning, my name is linda carter. Good morning, yes ma'am and I'm here on behalf of the incoming.

D

Purchasers of trading as glory days in eldersburg settlement on most of the units of glory days, the.

D

The franchisee has sold it to a new franchise franchisee. Most of them settled. I think, on.

D

November 30th there were a few. What we call carve outs and eldersburg was one of them, because my.

D

Advice to the client was until and unless the board approved a management agreement. I didn't.

D

Feel comfortable with allowing my clients to purchase the the the the the business. If you will.

D

um That I was not counseled to the underlying transaction. I simply serve as local liquor council.

D

But each of the glory days that previously existed was set up differently and in this.

D

Particular instance, the purchase of of this glory days will include the licensee the licensed entity.

D

Now, when we file the transfer application, which I'm going to give joe in just a couple of minutes,.

D

We're not going to be using that as the new licensee, but we do have the rights to use it.

D

And so this is kind of an odd request. I'm asking the board to approve a management agreement.

D

Because we actually own the licensee, the exist, the corporate licensee.

D

The individual will own the corporate licensee. That's how the deal structured.

D

The individual licensees will remain the same until we come to hearing and the board approves it.

D

Hopefully- and we actually effectuate the transfer of the license, but that would be our request.

B

Foreign, so you're going to continue the licensees that are on there now correct under this.

B

Management agreement- that's correct, mr chairman, and then the application will come before us.

B

Were the new licensees that's correct.

D

Come before you will have the existing license he's here. If.

D

If that's your brothers as well, what period time period are we talking about.

B

We're prepared to file the application today. I think that puts us in february.

B

So this agreement would be proper, possibly like two and a half months. That's correct, mr chairman.

B

What's the longest that we have in the past when we discussed management agreements.

B

60 days mag, I think maggie's probably been longest, and I think that was probably two months.

E

Two or three months, I think our rule originally.

F

Had 30, but we took that out for this- for this very reason, correct.

B

Gentlemen comments questions just just a couple: miss carter, um please you say.

F

Licensee entity, what exactly does that mean board's aware their individual licensees.

D

Called it on behalf of a corporate entity and the outgoing corporate entity, I believe, is glory days.

D

Eldersburg llc, okay, I think so I think that's right. I've looked at so many of these in the.

D

Last there were 23 total. I think units that were involved in this transaction, which we're involved.

D

In and just so you all know the ultimate owner of play- ball, usa, which is buying all these glory.

D

Days is the gentleman who started out back so okay. Can we back up there's real there's.

D

A substantial restaurant operator behind this okay, the current licensee, what is his or her name.

D

There are three of them: the local resident is sylvia noor and she will be staying on.

D

The license, okay- that was my question, so the local resident is staying on for the.

F

New french franchise, correct, okay and she's, actually, a manager at the eldersburg location.

F

And who is the uh who do you represent? I represent the incoming play ball. Usa. It's called play.

F

Ball and the particular this particular unit is play ball. Ireland, eldersburg llc.

F

Play ball maryland, eldersburg, okay, beautiful maryland, eldersburg house. They got it great.

F

And they're keeping ostensibly the plan is to keep soviet north absolutely and then add and.

F

The other two licensees currently uh will uh be taken off: yeah they're they're, existing operators.

D

With glory days, usa, which is the outgoing people and then the ones, the existing ones, who will be.

F

Taken off they're they're going to be part of the management agreement that you want us to.

F

Approve that's correct: will they be actively involved in management, or is this just for the.

F

Purposes of this license yeah for the purposes of licensing- and this is what's happened in.

D

um We're doing the process in virginia now and I'm handling uh frederick and colombia, ellicott city.

D

Rather, a friend of mine is handling anne arundel and baltimore county and that's how we're doing.

D

It statewide, so is that management agreement is a term of art they're not going to be involved.

F

In pain management, not really yeah, the management agreement allows the licensees to hire. If you will.

D

The incoming operators to manage the business on their behalf in the management agreement.

F

Reinforces the idea that the current licenses, who will be operating under the management agreement.

F

Are going to be liable absolutely on board during that period, absolutely the existing.

D

Licenses remain liable to the sport absolutely and to the state yeah, but that's in the agreement.

G

That's that's right absolutely, and I believe I did. I send you a. I think I sent it to you, joe.

D

If not, I can email it as soon as I don't get back to the office today. The weather looks bad.

D

So I'll do it from home yeah. I thought I had, but I may not have so I'll make sure I'll get it to you.

F

Talk about the management agreement, that's correct,.

C

Yeah, linda your stickers about a while. Thank you.

D

I'm an official visitor any other questions comments. No, I have no questions about it.

B

I have no objections as long as the agreement meets all the.

B

Requirements at the present time, I have no objections too. No objections.

B

Okay, thank you. So very much. May I approach now. Let me ask you one question before you.

B

Go it's got to have to do with this case. There's groundbreaking a couple hundred yards from here.

B

You know anything about that. I don't that's the outback, it's an outback! Oh, is it yes yeah? I don't.

B

Represent them, I do not oh okay, yep, I don't know who's doing. [music] It may be nick kallis.

D

um If it is, then I will probably wind up doing it nick and I share cases all the time.

D

That I don't know anything about it. I was just curious because it's yep.

D

I'll find out, though, breaking ground yeah I'll, let joe know to uh today or tomorrow.

F

Maybe you can tell them to break ground in eldersburg.

B

Thank you all. Did you just closed the harvest in how you want to open up our harvesting? Wasn't a.

F

Steakhouse, thank you ma'am. Thank you. All have a great safe day. Please drive carefully you too, and.

D

Thank you for taking, I think, you're okay today, but tonight late tonight, early in the morning.

D

Okay: okay, at this time, I would ask her attorney mr almond, if he will call case 6425, please. Yes,.

H

Mr chairman case uh 6425, a class b beer wine and liquor license issue to jose antonio eula. Did I.

H

Pronounce that correctly for the use of cinco de mayo, taneytown inc um trading business at.

H

Or training association as cinco de mayo, 502, east baltimore street yutani town maryland.

H

uh Violation hearing sail to a minor in the file. The board has a delivery of notice of hearing 6425.

H

um To jose antonio eula dated 11, 4 2022 and the received portion is signed, there is also a notice.

H

Of intention to defend where they check the box, I do not intend to contest the alleged violations.

H

That is also from november 4th 2022 and signed by the licensee apologize for another chance.

H

A november 2nd 2022 letter um violation of alcohol beverages, uh violation sale to a minor.

H

um Directing the licensee to appear before this board at 10 a.m, signed by joe vance.

H

H

We have a report by um inspector james pullin from november 1st 2022.

H

And the notice of violation for selling alcohol to persons under 21. This is the state's attorney.

H

The version program document um julianne, morgan mcneil's and has the signature of the accused.

H

Seller, mr chairman, I request that the file be entered into evidence, we'll accept that. Thank you.

B

This time, all those who intend to testify in the case please stand raise your right.

B

Hand and be sworn in by a men's vance. Do you swear or affirm under the penalties of perjury.

C

That the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

G

B

Are you going to present this good morning, uh jim pullen, the inspector for the board.

I

Of license commissions for carroll, county uh 225, north center street westminster maryland.

I

On the 1st of december of november 2022 at approximately uh 607 p.m,.

I

I sent a underage volunteer into the cinco de mayo restaurant in toneytown, maryland with the intent.

I

To purchase an alcoholic beverage, the volunteers sat in a booth and ordered a corona beer.

I

From the server a julianne mcneil, the server asked for idea was: oh start again. Sorry, the server asked.

I

For id and was shown a merlin vertical license belonging to the volunteer, indicating that the.

I

Volunteer was under 21 years of age. The server then served the volunteer with the alcoholic.

I

Beverage upon my arrival, I spoke with a server who told me she knew it was a criminal offense to.

I

Server miner, with an alcoholic beverage, she stated she was not alcohol, trainer certified or trained.

I

I then spoke to the manager, mr lyra, and informed him of the occurrence. All the above occurred in.

I

Carroll county maryland, I've got wish to make a motion to submit three photographs for the record.

B

We all accept them as evidence.

I

And the volunteer was 17 years of age further. At this point,.

F

C

He will be submitting him as evidence policy packing.

B

Yeah are there any questions of inspector pullen proceed.

B

With that jose who are you going to that's what happened and why and so forth? Well, we really.

J

um State your name and address my name is jose. Take your address.

J

Address is 2150 warm forest drive, finksburg maryland 21048, so.

J

Her name is uh julie. uh You can see of what I gave you in the folders as the policies that we have.

J

At the restaurant she initial every page signed every page. You knew the consequences of you know.

J

um If she served to a minor um so that's and then also there's some pictures around the restaurant.

J

That there's also on the package. It says no vertical ids and every pos station. We it says.

J

um Please check id so we're constantly reminding the employees to do their job. um We also have a in.

J

Our package a program that, if they you know, pass the the test, we give them a hundred dollars. So we.

J

Do I think, a lot that a lot of the restaurants don't do for us not to be in the situation, but.

J

She still managed to mess up. um We try to do tips, certifications twice a year for all my restaurants,.

J

And she was right in between when um we hired her, um we got our classes done to three weeks.

J

Ago, in which they're the new certificates for everybody that uh was going to expire or that.

J

Was going to start working with us at servers, so that's kind of that. What I I just gave you guys.

F

I have a question, sir. The.

F

The exhibits that you have given us, which which the chairman will enter into evidence.

F

At some point, the uh there are certain things highlighted on the policy acknowledgment.

F

Did you do that, or was that done when she said what would you do just to highlight it for you.

J

Guys her name and then uh the bottom is the employee signed it. The manager on the date.

J

So making sure everybody knew that it was read and done correctly and then the second.

J

Page basically, it says we don't accept vertical ids and she initialed to the whole booklet and.

J

You know we try to do as much as we can, but I really don't understand why she still serve.

J

After she asked for an id that was a vertical id, what was her excuse? She just didn't think I it.

K

Really wasn't she understood what vertical was yes and she still did it? um We fired her. I mean the.

J

Package says: if you don't do your job, we fire you. I feel bad, but I mean we try to make everything.

J

As a rewarded, they did their job, they get a hundred dollars. You know everybody's happy, but.

J

um I really don't know why she didn't check that. I did correctly how long had miss miss mcneil.

K

Worked for you he's been moving a half months and a half months, and you might have told told us this.

K

Before and I apologize, if you did but was she she was not tams, she was not. She was in between.

J

When we usually do classes, we usually do them around twice a year for all my restaurants and.

J

If she was basically right when we, I think we had one late march early april, we harder on june july.

J

And she shadows someone when you first hired her excuse me: did she shadow someone when you.

K

First hired her, in other words, shadow means. Did she get trained by us notice, yeah yeah? We.

J

We we we constantly are training. People on you know, checking ids, you know she. She was a good.

J

Employee when she was on time- and we never had an issue- and she was honestly one of the one that.

J

Was very responsible and yeah, we we usually have meetings weekly meetings on you know things that.

J

We can make the how the restaurant can do better. What suggestions do you guys have you know, and we.

J

Always bring the uh the check ids, because we are that's important, you know we don't want to be sent.

J

To minors and or over serving to people- and you know, making us get into trouble for nonsense right.

F

I believe our inspector testified that when he asked her, she acknowledged us. She understood that.

F

It could be a criminal offense selling to a minor correct on her part right. Is that something that.

F

You that your restaurant told her that you told her uh during the training we tell we told him. I.

J

Think uh the program you guys started doing a year or two years ago since then, we've been started.

J

Telling all all the servers you can get in trouble, you know just do your job and you know they do.

J

Know everybody knows yeah what I would do. I would on the uh acknowledgment that you highlighted.

F

I would double the size and bold it so that someone can.

F

Miss it yeah, because it's pretty important, that's that's kind of like in the middle.

F

Of the page and it kind of like blends in for everything else, we also we we did pass another.

J

Test a few weeks afterwards and tiny town and we had a small meeting and we gave the.

J

The young lady that passed the test a hundred dollars and everybody was excited, and you know.

J

It's just motivate motivate, motivates them to do the job right. You know, so we're not.

J

You know, I know it's, it's kind of it's sadly, and somebody go for a simple mistake, but in the.

J

Day it causes all this and that and that's what I'm trying to avoid um and you've had.

K

That policy, where they're uh compensated for for catching someone for years, yeah.

B

Well, sir, what what did what did she say.

J

Why is she served or why she did identify yourself state your full name and your address for a record.

B

Please, yes, my name is guillermolara. I live in 609 cranberry lane westminster two one, one. Five, seven.

L

uh She just apologized. She said she was a little swelling. She didn't really know what she did.

L

The gentleman was there: he was very concerned with women. She started crying she's, apologized.

L

She said, I don't know what I did. I was, I don't know that was overwhelmed overwhelmed yeah.

B

Are they arrested very busy at that time? Do you know no, he wasn't busy. It wasn't really.

J

An excuse for it to happen. Basically, we don't have any excuse. She just told her a mistake.

B

This was your first check. Yes, how long has that restaurant been open eight months eight months.

B

How long have you worked for cinco de mayo? I mean since he's well been since.

L

We're open tiny town well with cinco de mayo. The company is uh july, 2021.

B

You ever westminster address yes for how long for since june june, since june, uh 2001.

B

As I note, there were two violations there in 20 and 19.

J

Yeah he wasn't in charge of that restaurant at that time.

L

Is there was a server in about period of time? Excuse me they're. Both your restaurants, correct.

J

You know we I try to always be upfront with all my employees. You know I try to go out of my way.

J

I just don't send them to random classes. I get the instructors they do classes specifically for.

J

Me so they know this is serious. You know, because you can other restaurants, send people to classes.

J

In frederick whatever you don't know, if your employees are, you know paying attention, that's.

J

Why I try to do it specifically only for me, so when I'm there, I know that everybody's paying.

J

Attention they're taking it seriously. So um you know these are just mistakes that I tried. I don't.

J

Know what else I could do honestly? I try to do as much reward them. You know um these. These packets.

J

That they have to sign and read it's it's. I don't know what else I could do. I mean I have a lot of.

J

Signs on the bar you can see on the package in the front of the restaurant every pos station has it.

J

When you press your order on the pos, it says there are notes check ids. So we constantly are.

J

Reminding servers, but some days did miss mcneil work as a server before some somewhere else.

L

I'm not sure no, she she was the first time. So this was her very first position as a server.

L

You have some experience in a restaurant as a host, but not a different restaurant, not on us.

L

With us, but as a uh yeah, how old was let's make deal? What was it? How old is she do you.

L

Know she's 21 right now: 21 yeah! That's all right! I don't know exactly. I don't know: 21. 21, she's, 21.

J

And we also have this thing from the um guides: the rule book from the county. They also have we.

J

Also go over this with the highlights of all the rules, all the major parts. You know the display of.

J

The license and person how to check ids from the county, so is we just don't do ours, but we also go.

J

Through the guidebook from carroll county, so we we go out of our ways to implement as much as we.

J

Can to each server do you do that when you hire someone initially or do you do that regularly.

J

When we hire them in basically weekly, we did the last uh sorry the last week because they sent a.

L

New book from november the updated booth yeah, so it's a new one, we'll read it with all the servers.

L

To know the importance changes of the rules well, it sounds like you make a lot of effort to yeah.

J

Like I said, I live in the county, I live in there and my kids go to school here. I'm not trying to.

J

Sell beer for four dollars: it's not going to do anything for me. You know. um All I can say is.

J

Apologize, uh she doesn't work with us and I and if I like, you said I, can you give me an idea of.

J

Making the letters bolder, I can do that, you know maybe an extra step that can prevent something.

J

Like this to for this to happen again, how do you go about hiring new employees? How do we hire them.

B

Yes, what procedure do you do to do you advertise or what? ah Yes, we advertise, um we usually when we.

J

Have uh somebody's been a hostess when they're 16 years old and until 18, and we all ask them.

J

Or if they ask us before, I'm almost 18 can I start serving tables. So we like to have people.

J

That have been have some type of experience in the restaurant business, not somebody who's. Just.

J

Walked, you know worked retail, so we try to keep it somewhere. That's worked in the restaurant just.

J

So because the restaurant, sometimes you're under stress, a lot of tables overwhelm some people can.

J

Handle and some people can't so we try to hire people that have had experience in the restaurant.

K

These alcohol training certificates that you have in this folder are they just from the employees.

K

At tawny town, I have some further employees in thailand and some from the other restaurants.

J

That were going to create to expire or they're heading, or they didn't have one that we recently.

J

Just hired, but everybody from this county from my restaurant so is that one is that one of your.

K

Requirements for a server to be certified. Yes, like I said people that don't have it. I usually.

J

Have uh classes every six months so like this? She was just in between that time that we hadn't and.

K

She had never taken alcohol or since before so maybe what would be a good policy is, if you hire.

K

Someone that's never had alcohol training if they card someone they have to check with one of the.

K

Managers yeah, that's like they've, never been uh had alcohol training, yeah yeah that that's a good.

J

Idea, but um I know that vertical id is it's so simple: don't accept them, which is pretty.

J

A no-brainer, that's a no-brainer and we do get people from pennsylvania. You know they're very.

J

Hard-Headed, that's that's their idea and that I want to move. They don't want to change it and they.

J

Get offended sometimes, but you know that's just part of the the rules we do as a restaurant. We.

J

Don't accept vertical ids, we have it on the front door at every restaurant that we have, but um just.

J

When they get a vertical id, don't even look. I said we don't accept it. We we tell them all the time.

B

Did she check? Did she check ids yeah? She checked the id and still did it still did it and the.

B

Girl's 17 years old and she looks like she's 17 years old so and your uh your exhibits do show.

F

Good signage yeah things to remind him constantly that vertical ids are not accepted right yeah. She.

J

Puts the beer in she has to go to the computer, she says no, no check ids. She goes to the other.

J

Screen on the computer on notes, it says check ids I mean we do have them constantly to remind.

J

Them yeah, and how long did she work for you, two and a half months, two and a half months.

L

Every single week, when I send the schedule for all the servers, I wouldn't know right.

L

There, please remember, check ids and we don't accept article like this, so we do everything.

L

Using your hands to stay there and check and check and remind the servers, do you ever.

B

Check ids in your other restaurants have somebody else go in and chat.

J

And other counties, no these three right here, instead of checking within our company yeah well.

E

You know that was one of the things that we are hearing another time about getting a new license.

J

Somebody um was saying that before us- and that was actually a pretty good idea- that we were actually.

J

uh Thinking about we haven't done it, but that's a good idea to do just to keep everybody on their.

J

Toes and have something- maybe I can put it in my book- I have some type of different reward. Maybe.

J

Not 100, maybe 20 or something hey, you did our. We passed our company uh test. So that's something we.

J

Can uh certainly put in our handbook to motivate and to make sure everybody's on their toes.

F

That's a good idea, yeah and some licenses do that they.

F

Send their own people in see if they get checked yeah.

B

Any other questions.

B

There are no other questions of testimony or evidence is now closed, and would you like to.

B

Make any final remarks before we wow? No, mr pullen, would you have any final remarks? Everybody within.

I

The establishment was polite and respectful and they realized that they'd made a mistake.

I

As soon as I approached them, so I'm sure from what we've heard today, there will be no repeat.

I

Of it and they did pass successfully the uh the follow-up check I did earlier this month. Thank.

I

You there are no other questions. Testimony is now complete and we will decide the case on its merits.

F

uh Well, um gentlemen, this is one of those cases we see too often. I think that.

F

The licensee went to a lot of effort to make sure that this didn't happen, and it happened anyhow.

F

um They had visible signage, they do not accept vertical ids. Their server acknowledged that policy.

F

There's regular alcohol management training sounds like in-house and also through uh tips or tam.

F

uh Unfortunately, this young lady fell in between, but nevertheless it sounds like she definitely.

F

Got training in-house because she was aware that it's a criminal offense to serve a minor.

F

And that's the kind of thing that I believe the licensee passed on to his servers.

F

And she really offered no reason why this happened.

F

And it happened. Ultimately, the licensee is responsible, although in practical sense I.

F

I see that you went through a lot of effort so that this wouldn't happen.

F

Those are my thoughts. I agree with everything mr barnhart has just said. It's an unfortunate.

K

Situation, I happened to actually have been up there for dinner last night and I can.

K

Tell you that there's signage everywhere from the minute you open the door to go in there's.

K

A big sign with a vertical picture of a vertical license, so why this one server.

K

um Served even after asking for her id and saw that it was a vertical license. I don't know why.

K

She would do that you probably do more to protect serving minors than probably 90 percent of the.

K

Establishments in this county from the time I've been on the board that I've seen the only one.

K

Thing that I think you could have done different was if someone has not worked for you six months.

K

Or more, if they card someone they have to get that license approved by a manager. I assume you had a.

K

Manager there, when this this happened, so that's the only other way. I would think that you could.

K

Eliminate a rogue, a server from just serving someone if they haven't been there very long.

K

Like this individual, so with all that said, if it's okay with the chairman, I could make them do that.

B

Let's roll them do we need to have this entered as evidence. uh Yes, mr chairman, okay,.

K

Just one: do you need just one suffice.

B

Well, that will be part of the record. That's correct.

B

You know one of the things.

B

It's very difficult- and I've said this for for several years. Licensees are the.

B

Ones that are responsible for the acts of all their employees, and even though you go through.

B

Teaching processes and signage and so on and so forth, sometimes.

B

People are prone to make mistakes, take shortcuts and so on so forth, but still you're the licensee.

B

And you can't be there 24 hours a day and and watch six or eight people or, however, working at the same time.

B

But there's no question but what a violation occurred.

B

And this is the first time you were checked and the violation occurred.

B

B

We have to hold the licensees responsible, even though.

B

They've done just about everything that they can, and I know that.

B

This tacket that you gave and the signage and so on and so forth, in the store and and everything.

B

Many establishments are are similar to your signage and so forth, and they have signs all.

B

Over the place, but people ignore them, they get in a hurry and so on and so forth and unfortunately,.

B

You as the licensee are going to have to bear the brook of the responsibility so with that.

B

If somebody wants to make a motion, I could make a motion if you like chairman, please do um first.

K

There's two factors that I'm looking at here: one is I'm taking and considerate consideration of the.

K

Age of the minor being 17, where it says right on the vertical license when they're going to.

K

Be 21 it's written right on there so that server could could look at that or if she had brought.

K

That to the manager the manager would have said do not serve yes, so you wouldn't have been here.

K

Today, the second thing is a factor that I take in account. Is that this being your.

K

Very first to check so with all that said, to stay with consistency, I would find you.

K

Culpable for serving a minor fine, you three hundred dollars, but I would suspend 100 of it.

B

Is there a second to the motion, a second that motion.

B

Motion's been properly made and seconded for further discussion.

E

Can I asked how long the suspension is? Gentlemen.

B

Comments, or simply this, irrespective of the history and so on and so forth,.

B

I think this merits the full three hundred dollars.

B

As do all of them, particularly the first violation where it was checked,.

B

They're my comments.

B

There any other discussion on the motion.

B

Hearing none those in favor of motion signify by saying aye opposed no, no.

B

The motion carries two to one. You did not place the limitation on the suspension.

B

So the motion is that he is fined three hundred dollars and a hundred dollars is suspended.

B

That was the motion that was approved two to one majority, sir. We find you culpable and issue.

B

A fine of three hundred dollars of which a hundred dollars will be suspended. You have.

B

30 days from official notice from our office in which to satisfy the fine, I would encourage you.

B

To sincerely as you have done, but make sure this doesn't happen again,.

B

There's three violations, you might say, they're not.

B

In the same restaurant, but it's the same management, the same licensee.

B

Which would be.

B

If it's the same actual establishment that three hundred dollars would be 12.

B

And I hope you understand that so with that congratulations on the fine business keep up.

B

The merchandising- and we hope we don't see you back here again under similar.

B

Circumstances: okay. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

J

B

Is the next case out there keith.

C

Morning, good morning,.

C

Is that who, I think yes, it is.

I

Yeah I'll take it. Thank you perfect. Thank you.

M

Ryan you're right next to jessica, right here. Okay, at this time, I would ask.

B

Our attorney to please call case 6426, thank you, mr chairman case 6426, an application for a transfer.

H

Of a class, a beer wine and liquor license to be issued to jessica, brooks smith and brian brook.

H

For the use of new carriage house liquors inc, um one three west main street westminster maryland.

H

In the file we have a maryland and alcohol tobacco commission letter from december 2nd.

H

Bulk transfer permit. We also have um a document from the carroll county office of permits and.

H

Inspections that the above reference establishment does meet the requirements of the permit's office.

H

We have a letter to jovance from mark depot. The director of planning.

H

And community development of the city of westminster.

H

Yeah approving the uh the transfer a letter from the comptroller of maryland.

H

H

Or that has been brought to satisfactory conclusion there for the comptroller.

H

uh Withdrawals that request to hold the transfer.

H

We have a friday november 18 2022 uh notice in.

H

The carroll county times for the public hearing of this uh hearing.

H

We have a uh an document from the health department, I mean, I'm sorry.

H

From the collections office from belinda zell, uh the above reference establishment does meet.

H

The requirements of this office with the same document from the uh health department from lisa.

H

Staley that the above reference establishment does meet the requirements of this office.

H

The letter from schaefer and schaefer llp um the application package.

H

Which includes the application for the transfer, including signatures from witnesses,.

H

And the file is the application.

H

Okay and then we have the character, references which includes a number of people.

H

We have the estat report.

H

The information technology and communications division, you request for a criminal.

H

Record check for the maryland criminal justice information system has been completed.

H

There's no criminal history.

H

Workman's comp insurance.

A

Okay, so the driving record.

H

Peace agreement of the premises.

H

The floor plan.

H

Other license establishments.

H

The articles of incorporation.

H

We have the financial um information regarding uh shares.

H

A asset purchase agreement.

H

The bulk transfer application.

H

And the plot plan for the property. Mr chairman, I request that the file be entered into evidence.

H

We'll accept that in the audience at this time I would ask all those who intend to.

B

Testify in this case, please stand raise your right hand and be sworn in by ms vance.

C

Do you swear or affirm, under the penalties of perjury, that the testimony you're about.

C

To give is the truth, the whole truth and nothing, but the truth.

C

I do thank you. Baby seated, miss kelly welcome good morning. Thank you good morning, mr chair members of.

M

The board kelly schaefer miller, m-I-l-l-e-r 73 east main street westminster, maryland 21157 I'll.

M

Give a very brief opening statement. I have with me to my left jessica smith, one of the applicants and.

M

Then further down to my left, mr brian brook the second applicant, this is a transfer application.

M

For an existing packaged goods store known as carriage house liquors, it is located on.

M

Main street in westminster kind of near the intersection of maine and pennsylvania, ave.

M

um We, mr atul patel, is also present. He is the existing licensee and owner of the store, as I.

M

Explained in the cover letter to the application, the anticipated transaction will be that mr brook.

M

Purchases, the real property and then under the name of new carriage house, liquors, incorporated.

M

Will operate and run the business, which is an entity that is owned by miss jessica smith and.

M

Mr brooke, they will testify to this during the hearing, so you will hear that specifically from.

M

Them but jessica is brian's niece, so they are family and related and are entering into this.

M

Business transaction together so with that I will first call miss jessica smith jessica. Can you.

M

Please state your name well, first of all, before I get started, let me just make sure both of you know.

M

The microphones amplify a little bit but really they're recording. So you need to make sure that.

M

All of your testimony, you look at the microphone, look at the board and speak into the microphone.

M

Okay jessica, please state your name, spelling your last name and your address for the record.

M

Okay, jessica smith, s-m-I-t-h, my address is 2801 manchester road, westminster, 21157 and miss smith.

M

Is it true that you sign the application package that has been submitted to this board? Yes, okay,.

M

And you understand that you are applying for a transfer of a class, a beer wine and liquor license.

M

Yes, okay, are you a registered voter and taxpayer in carroll county? Yes, now the name you just heard.

M

Me in my introduction state this, but the entity name included on the application is new carriage.

M

House liquors incorporated is that accurate? Yes, it is okay. Now that is an entity as I described that.

M

Has contracted to purchase the existing business- correct, yes, okay, and is it accurate to say that.

M

That transaction would result in an entirely new ownership of the packaged goods store. Yes, okay,.

M

And are you a stockholder in that entity? Yes, I am. How much stock do you hold in that entity.

N

10, okay and who are the other stockholders of that entity: uh brian brooke? Okay. So it's just.

M

Brian brock is the only other stockholder okay, and what is your relationship to brian.

M

um He is my uncle okay, and is it accurate that brian owns the remaining 90 of the stock? Yes,.

M

In terms of your business plan for this packaged goods store and owning, this will.

M

You play an active role in the day-to-day business. Yes, I will be on site daily.

N

um And plan to have an office and work in the store, I'm gonna circle back a little bit. What.

M

Is your current employment? uh Currently I manage properties. um Brian has um multiple real rentals.

N

In westminster and I oversee them on a daily basis, so you and brian are already work together in.

M

A business capacity is that accurate, yes, okay and so in taking on this packaged goods store.

M

um You will continue that property management side of things as well. Is that accurate, yes, okay.

M

uh Where will where will your office for that role b? It will be at the package. Goods store.

M

So it will be in the same building, correct okay, now in terms of the day-to-day operation of the.

M

Packaged goods store, do you have any experience in the industry of serving alcoholic beverages back.

N

In the late 90s, I did work in a liquor store for a couple years: okay, so you're relatively familiar.

M

With the sale and exchange process involved in a package, goods store, yes, okay and in your role as.

M

A property manager: do you have the experience of interacting with individuals and kind of.

M

Managing the oversight in general, like an office environment, yes, okay, will that also be your role.

M

As part of this package goods store, will you be managing the day-to-day operation? Yes, I will okay.

M

Okay and have you become tips or tams certified? Yes, I have okay. I actually brought a copy of your.

M

M

So jessica, I'm showing you what I have marked as applicants exhibit one.

M

um Is that a copy of your tip certification? Yes, it is.

M

I would like to ask that that certification be entered as applicants exhibit one we'll accept that.

M

So let's talk a little bit about the actual business plan jessica. How many employees do.

M

You intend on having at this location, uh myself and probably three to four other people: okay,.

M

Okay and have you and brian discussed how you're going to hire those people? Do you already have.

M

People in mind: how is that going to work? uh So far? We have two people lined up um one person.

N

Will be full-time, that's my stepson and then my daughter will be part-time and we're looking for.

N

At least one other person to work with us, and will you be the day-to-day manager of those employees.

M

Yes, I will okay and what is your intent or plan on having those employees? Similarly, tips or tam.

M

Certified they will be, they will be certified with the tips they um actually both have already.

N

Started to work on it, okay, so the employees will all also be tips or tam certified. Yes, okay,.

M

Now, in addition to requiring employees to be tips or tam, certified do have you and.

M

Brian discussed having an in-house training process to train new employees. Yes, they will.

N

Work with me at the register, we will also have an operational handbook that goes over the different.

N

um Codes and and things that they are allowed to do and can't do and things like that. Okay, so you.

M

And brian have started, drafting an employee sort of handbook and general policy guide is.

M

That accurate, yes, we have okay. Now over the past few months, I I think it's safe to assume that you.

M

Didn't just you know yesterday decide to buy this package good store. So over the past few.

M

Months, have you kind of had the opportunity to work with mr patel and kind of observe and get.

M

Familiar with some of the vendors and just how the business works overall, yes, I have okay, yes,.

N

I've been working in there about the last three weeks, at least okay, so in your business plan and.

M

And your plan on training employees have you and brian discussed uh any policy on the acceptance.

M

Of vertical ids uh we we will not accept them. Okay, so you have decided that you will not accept.

M

Vertical ids, correct: okay: do you intend to have some kind of signage to that effect? If it's not.

M

Already in existence at the store, yes, we do and I do believe, there's a sign on the door now. Okay,.

M

um Have you discussed whether you will have some kind of carding policy in terms of like an age cut.

M

Off, like you will card anyone who looks under a certain age or anyone who you know. Yes, um anybody.

N

Under 40 would be carded okay and have you had the chance in working with mr patel over the past.

M

Few weeks to get somewhat familiar with the the point of sales service system um at the store- yes,.

M

Okay, does that service system also kind of have a check in place where, whereby it requires the entry.

M

Of a birth date and making a sale requires a birth date for any sale that has an age restriction. Okay,.

M

And you I I have made you aware that this board works with the state's attorney's office. For what.

M

Is called a diversion program whereby individual employees can be prosecuted for any violation? Is.

M

That correct, yes, okay, are you, um do you have a a plan in place to train and make sure that all of.

M

Your employees are notified of that. Yes, we have a form that explains that explains it to them.

N

The program and they'll have to sign it and it will be in their employee, folder, so higher sorry.

M

I didn't mean to jump jump the gun there, um so that will be part of the initial in-house training.

M

Process that you go through with employees after or during their tips and tams, yes, okay,.

M

um In terms of obviously you're familiar with the existing store, is there any plan to change.

M

The existing floor plan is there any any plan today to change really much of the operation.

M

Of the existing package, goods store no okay. So a lot of you know what this board and others.

M

Are familiar with is what they will see at this location. Correct, yes, have you and brian.

M

Discussed having some surveillance cameras or security in place as well, yes, there's cameras.

N

Now and those will stay stay in place okay, so there are existing security cameras. Okay,.

M

So miss smith! You understand that, although this application is in the name of new carriage house.

M

Liquors incorporated that you personally are liable and responsible to this liquor board. Yes,.

M

Yes, so, in the event that this liquor board has any need to contact you for.

M

Anything information, violations, etc. You are the point. The first point person correct: yes, okay,.

M

And have you had the opportunity to make yourself familiar with the carroll county's liquor board's.

M

Rules and regulations packet. Yes, I have okay. Now it's known as the red book about a month.

M

Ago it was known as the yellow book I was gonna say it's a gold book. Excuse me the gold book so.

M

The red book- and you understand that you need to have a copy of that on site correct. Yes, I.

M

Do okay, and are you willing to comply with all of those rules and regulations? I am okay.

M

Those are my only questions of miss smith. Excuse me any questions they applicant. Ms smith, did you.

K

Say that you had experience in the past with with alcohol? Yes, in the late 90s, I worked.

N

At uh care uh packaged goods in baltimore, county okay, did you ever hold a license? No.

B

Any other questions um miss smith. You would be the supervisor yes at the store.

F

And- and you intend to have three or four other employees under you, yes, have you ever had a.

F

Supervisory position- yes, retail I've um been in management, probably for about 20 years now,.

F

And that would be the property management business. Yes, and.

N

I've I've managed at the goodwill- and I also was an assistant manager for a bank.

F

And I may have missed this because I was looking through a file.

F

I understand your policy no vertical ids. um Did you explain to the board the training that that.

F

You want your employees to go through. uh Did you say that you want them all to be tips or tan.

F

Certified, yes, they would all be tips, certified tips or tips, and I think you testified that.

F

There will be a employee, employee book that that you would present to your employees, which will.

F

Set forth a lot of the things that council has mentioned, that the board feels is important. Yes,.

K

Is that is that booklet done, or you still have to do it we're still working on it.

K

So what what other in-house in-house training will you have or you're planning on having other than.

K

A booklet, um well, they would work with me for a few shifts before they were able to work on their.

N

Own okay, and are you, will you be holding another job other than than the carriage house? I will be.

N

Managing the properties, but that will be done from the carriage house because we have rental.

N

Properties and I'll be overseeing the management of those while working at the carriage house. How.

K

Many days do you expect to work in the carriage house I'll, be there at least five days a week. Okay,.

B

M

Thank you. I would next call mr brian brook brian. Can you please state your.

M

Name, spelling your last name and address for the record. My name is brian w brooke.

O

B-R-O-O-K-E and my address is 3545 butler road in butler, maryland, 21023.

M

Mr brooke, you heard jessica, stata and me state it, but can you just explain to the board your.

M

Relationship with jessica uh jessica is my sister's daughter. My niece and mr brook is.

M

It accurate that you signed the application package that has been submitted to this board.

O

Yes- and you understand that you have applied for the transfer of an existing class, a beer wine and.

M

Liquor license. Yes, I do okay and have you been present and heard all of ms smith's testimony.

M

Yes, I have do you find all of her testimony to be accurate to the best of your knowledge? Yes,.

M

So, can you just briefly explain to this board what your role in the business will be on a date more.

M

Of like a day-to-day role, well, I would call it hourly. I speak with jessica on a daily basis. If.

O

Not an hourly basis, I will be in the store every day, if not every other day, we currently work.

O

Together and have worked together for five years, I've known jessica, obviously her her whole life.

O

The property management company, because there was a question for jessica about her- which you.

O

Have two jobs keep in mind that I that I work in the property management company also and that.

O

Has other employees and maintenance and that's an ongoing, well-oiled machine and doesn't interfere.

O

Or conflict or anything whatsoever with new carriage house liquors, that has other employees.

O

We also are having other people work in the office for what's carol management, so it's jessica's main.

O

Goal will be to to babysit and keep her hand on this. New investment and uh the new carriage.

O

House liquors and I will be there overseeing jessica. I help a lot more with the on business.

O

Things such as the the financing, the insurance, the workers comp, uh the I call it an operational.

O

Manual as well as an employee manual, by the way- and I'm sorry I don't have that finished- I've.

O

Had a interruption, I don't know if you know that or not, but uh we would have had it today.

M

Mr brooke, do you have any experience in the industry in the service of alcoholic beverages.

M

Not an alcoholic beverages- I was prior prior to this in the insurance industry for 35 years.

O

In the commercial insurance and there's not a there's, not a, I think a restaurant or a bar.

O

Or tavern or a package goods store that we have not been in or have insured or have worked with.

O

Over the last 35 years it was a large company uh which I sold years back and uh then went.

O

Into the property management business after that, so an accurate summary would be that you.

M

Are familiar with the industry, but do not have direct experience in the service of alcoholic.

M

Beverages, that's correct. I've underwritten I've, watched them and uh have underwritten.

O

Them, for I mean hundreds of commercial businesses, including liquor and restaurant and package good.

M

And, along with miss smith, over the past few months, have you had the opportunity to familiarize.

M

Yourself with this operation with mr patel's vendors and just the overall existing business, I.

O

Have I've known mr patel, I believe for four years I've met with him continuously for the last four.

O

Years, we've spoken, oh probably almost monthly for four years, while mr patel has considered selling.

O

This or not so, we've stayed in touch. I've been in this business many many many times up to this.

O

Point not as a not as a client but to get to know mr patel to take a tour of it and see the.

O

Operation, I have found this advance over the years. You may recall I'm the one that's called over the.

O

Years to ask you questions, I have visited uh and studied over a score of liquor stores in carroll.

O

County and watched them and their operations taking tours met the owners and the management.

O

So while I haven't owned one or worked in one night for a layperson, I have a fairly in-depth.

M

Mr brooke, have you had the opportunity to become tips or tams certified? I have yes, okay. Now, I'm.

M

Showing you what I've marked as applicants exhibit 2. Is that a copy of your tips? Certification? Yes,.

M

I would like to ask that that exhibit be entered. Please excuse me we'll accept that. Thank you.

M

Mr brooke, what percent stockholder are you in this entity? I am a 90 stockholder and there.

O

Are no others in jessica and myself, okay, um have you and you understand, similar to jessica.

M

That, although this application includes the new carriage house, liquors, incorporated name that you.

M

Are individually responsible to this liquor board? Yes, yes, I do completely okay and are you familiar.

M

With this board's rules and regulations, what we just called that that red booklet- yes, I am okay.

M

And are you willing to comply with those rules and regulations? Yes, I am.

M

Only questions of mr brooke questions of mr brooke.

F

B

Thank you, mr brooke. Thank you. Thank you. I would next call are character witnesses if.

M

It's easiest perhaps I could just have them line up with this microphone and just and one by one.

M

Go through them, that's fine! Okay! So all the everybody who's here as a character. Witness.

M

So you three and vinnie, please just stand up at that microphone and I'm gonna talk into this.

M

All right, vinnie, you're, gonna start us off all right. Vinnie, please state your name, spelling your last name and your address good morning. My name is vincent pryor, o'grady.

A

Oh apostrophe g-r-a-d-y, my address is eleven summer fields: court lutherville, maryland 21093.

M

I'm gonna call you vinnie. If that's okay, please that's how I know you now. Please.

M

Vinnie, how long who are you here for today as a character reference for brian brook, okay and.

M

um How do you know brian, so brian and I first met uh in high school? We were classmates at loyola.

A

High school, so we started high school in 1971, so we've actually known each other for actually.

A

A little over 50 years, and then we became very close friends uh about probably 15 years ago, when.

A

Our boys went through the local boy scout troop together uh and they both made eagle scout and.

A

um In fact, um ryan's son and and my boy, who is the same age as brian's son, our roommates down.

A

In fat hill in baltimore city with two other guys right now, and we um we've just become very close.

A

Friends with brian and his family find brian to be an honest and reliable person. Absolutely.

M

And do you believe that brian is a fit and responsible person to hold a.

M

Liquor license absolutely yes, those are my only questions for vinnie questions of this witness.

B

Ed we have none. Thank you, sir. Thank you. I would next call anita, so I'm going to call everybody by.

M

Their first name, my apologies, anita, please state your name, spelling your last name and address.

M

For the record good morning, can you hear me? Yes, ma'am just talk a little louder. Sorry, I think.

M

You can move that if you need to yeah, I think you can just kind of oh there. We go.

P

I never was much of a singer um good morning. My name is anita stamis searles s-e-a-r-l-e-s.

P

I live at 708, chapel ridge, road timonium, maryland 21093.

M

And anita, who are you here for today as a character reference, mr brian brooke, okay,.

M

And how do you know, mr brian brook brian and I have been friends for over 25 years.

P

Our children were in preschool together. Then they went to lower school and grade school together.

P

Our sons were in the same boy scout troop cub scout troop. They became eagle scouts together.

P

Currently, we still are still very, very, very close friends. Okay and your experience with mr brook do.

M

You find him to be an honest and reliable person. Yes, do you believe that mr brooke is a fit and.

M

Proper person to hold a liquor license. Yes, thank you. Those are my only questions for miss anita.

B

Thank you very much ma'am. Thank you.

M

All right, ashley, please state your name, spelling your last name and address for the record.

Q

Hi I'm ashley gibb gibb. I live at 2, dorothy avenue, westminster, maryland and ashley, who are.

M

You here for as a character, witness jessica smith, okay, and how do you know jessica? I am engaged to.

Q

Her son dylan okay, so how long have you known jessica a little bit over three years now? Okay,.

M

Okay, and do you find jessica to be an honest and reliable person? I absolutely do do you believe.

M

And you've heard her testimony here today. Do you believe that she is a fit and proper person to.

M

Hold a liquor license without a doubt. Okay, and do you know where um carriage house liquors is.

M

Yes, located, yes, okay, do you believe that it will be beneficial to continue having.

M

A liquor store at that location. I do okay, those are my only questions of miss ashley.

B

Just say you were going, she will be your future mother-in-law. Yes, sir, you better.

B

Not say anything bad she's going to come work with me too. I'm trying to get her. Thank you.

M

All right, miss sally hello, I'm sally harmon um h-a-r-m-o-n and I reside at.

R

3505 torrington drive in manchester maryland 21102 and miss sally. Who are you here for.

M

Today, as a character, reference jessica, smith, okay, and how do you know jessica.

R

um Basically, she was a neighbor of my niece and family members and in the community.

M

And how long have you known jessica about 30 35 years, okay, so over that time, you've.

M

Become friends, yes, okay and in your knowledge of jessica, do you find her to be a fit and honest.

M

Person, yes, and do you believe that she is an appropriate person to hold a liquor license? Yes,.

M

And are you familiar with where carriage house liquors is currently yes, I am and do you believe.

M

That it will be a benefit to continue having a packaged good store at that location. Yes, I do.

M

Thank you. Those are my only questions for miss sally.

B

Thank you very much. Babe.

M

That concludes my testimony for today's hearing.

B

Gentlemen, do you have any question of any of the witnesses.

B

Inspectors I mean I I do hope they can run carriage hospital as well as mr.

E

Patel ran carriage house the past several years that I've known him.

M

That's the goal, that's the goal. I was surprised that all your character witnesses, nobody went to.

B

Mcdaniel college or western maryland when.

B

Miss kelly asked if they knew where the premises were, which is pretty close.

M

Look at this, there are no other questions.

B

Mr patel, do you have anything to say.

M

You you can, if you want to say, state your name and.

B

Address just for the record, I'm up to the mic state, your name and address.

M

Make it official, okay.

S

Maryland 21048, uh I know brian for almost four years now uh he's a he's, a really nice good person.

S

His business knowledge is very good. I mean he consistently.

S

Was calling me every month we were talking every month. uh He did show the interest in buying this.

S

Business about four years ago, and that's where all the conversation started.

S

Then the kovit came in and we paused on it. Then back on the uh or back on the discussion uh we.

S

Were not ready yet at that point, but uh the past about uh this past spring we were ready to sell.

S

And that's where we entered into the serious discussion, but he's a very nice guy.

S

He knows it all, I'm in business side, so I know that he will be a good business owner. He will.

S

Make sure that it's done right, that's for sure jessica. I know her for last uh six months plus, yes,.

S

And uh she's as good I mean they know community because they have their properties in our.

S

Community, so they know community very well, they know what is right and wrong and what.

S

To do about it, so I know they will take care of it jessica. We go, we've been training, her.

S

And she's a she picks up very fast everything very fast, so I don't see anything she gonna have.

S

Any issue with that we as a we, we always think about community and what is right and wrong.

S

And what to do about it and we're going to work with her to make sure that things are done right.

S

And we will be there if they're going to need our support. We will be there, so uh we.

S

Are committed to make sure that community serve well. Thank you very much, sir. Thank you, mr patel.

B

There are no other questions at this time. Testimony and evidence is closed and we'll proceed.

B

To closing arguments, thank you, mr chair. Members of the board. I think we've presented a very.

M

Strong case with two very qualified applicants, who, although you know mr brook, does not have direct.

M

Experience in the service of alcoholic beverages, I think the host of other business experience he.

M

Does have will lend to the management uh and very solid operation of this existing business.

M

In westminster, and so with that, I would ask that you approve the requested transfer for.

M

The class a beer, wine and liquor license to miss jessica smith and mr brian brook thank you.

M

Thank you. Excuse me, inspectors. Nothing else, comments nope with that testimony.

B

Is closed and we will discuss the merits of this application and make a recommendation.

K

Well, I can say that from hearing the testimony from ms smith and mr books.

K

It seems like they have uh vast business experience and they seem very fit and proper.

K

And they've certainly had people to back that up, so I would be. uh I would be in.

K

If it was me so um well, castle has made a very thorough presentation as usual and.

F

I agree with her closing remarks and I agree with commissioner harmonings.

F

The applicants have testified that they're both tips and tams certified. They understand the.

F

Personal liability of operating um you know a liquor license in carroll, county personal.

F

Responsibility to this board and they also understand the possible criminal ramifications of.

F

Serving underage at a liquor board, I mean a liquid liquor store. You both have, I think, good business.

F

Experience you both seem to be very comfortable with operating a class. I class a establishment.

F

Your character witnesses are very persuasive. Your your people of good character.

F

And you're clearly fit and proper to hold this liquor license. So I agree with counsel and.

F

Her request to grant this application and I'm prepared to make a motion. Mr chairman, yes, sir.

F

In case 6426, which is an application for the transfer of a class, a beer, 1 and liquid license.

F

To be issued to jessica, brook smith and brian brook for the use of new carriage house liquors.

F

Inc trading, as new carriage house liquors, I moved that the application be granted by this board.

B

Well, it's been properly made. Is there second, I second that motion's been properly made and.

B

Seconded that this board issue a class, a beer, wine and liquor license to jessica.

B

Brook smith than brian brook or the use of new carriage house liquors inc trading as.

B

New carriage house, liquors, 113 west main street westminster, maryland 21157 and lexan district 7.

B

Any further discussion on the motion: no hearing, none all those in favor signify by saying aye,.

B

Aye aye oppose no, so ordered. Congratulations, best wishes and you'll carry on charles, frederick brims.

B

Former establishment, thank you very much happy holidays. Thank you all. Thank you.

T

Thank you. Thank you, patel, whatever you have in the future. Good luck to you.

S

This time we're going to take a five minute break.

B

I'll be there.

B

At this time, I would ask our attorney to please call case 6428, okay, k-6428, an.

H

Application for a new class d beer wine license to be issued to jennifer m elliott for the use.

H

Of market tavern, llc trading as finch market 27, east baltimore street taneytown maryland.

H

In the file we have a letter um to joe vance from the maryland comptroller's office.

H

um Advising that the matter has been brought to a satisfactory conclusion, therefore, the.

H

Controller of maryland withdrawals its request to hold this transfer.

H

We also have a document from the carroll county collections office that the above established.

H

The above reference establishment is, does meet the requirements of this office.

H

We have a document from the city of tony town, zoning and code enforcement officer, daryl hale.

H

um That the above reference establishment does meet the requirements of this office.

H

H

We have a public notice from the carroll county times on friday november 18 2022.

H

I notice of public hearing for this hearing today.

H

A letter to miss elliott advising of the public hearing for her application and.

H

um Will be held today from joe vance.

H

The application to this board.

H

uh A list of character, references.

H

um Mva drivers, information.

H

A criminal background check foreign.

H

Workers, comp insurance.

H

A lease of the uh the premises.

H

uh Certification from the department of assessments and taxation.

H

Corporate information.

H

The uh financial makeup of the company, a floor and plot plan.

H

And the adjacent establishment. Mr chairman, I request that this uh file be entered into the.

H

Record we'll accept that into the record. Thank you this time. I would ask all those who intend.

B

To testify, in this case, please stand raise your right hand and be sworn in by ms vance.

C

Do you swear or affirm, under the penalties of perjury, that the testimony testimony.

C

You're about to give is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

B

You all may be seated.

B

This elliott, are you going to present the case I would like to yes, please state your.

G

Name and full name spell your last name and your address for the record. Please and you may proceed.

B

Jennifer m elliott e-l-l-I-o-t-t currently reside at 9 york street taneytown, maryland 21787.

B

Would you like to tell us your plans and why you want a class d beer and wine license? Yes, so after.

Q

A successful almost 10 years in sykesville on main street, I have moved up to tawny town where.

Q

There is another growing historic district, so I'd like to be a part of that change.

Q

um I was presented with the opportunity by an old friend of mine mark stevenson, who you'll hear from.

Q

Shortly to come to tawny town and he showed me a couple of locations- and I was really excited when.

Q

I saw the 27 east baltimore street location. It was an old library about a hundred years ago. So that's.

Q

How we came up with the name finch market kind of a play on atticus finch from to kill a mockingbird.

Q

um So we're kind of going back to our our roots. We started as a little gourmet market with beer.

Q

And wine sales to go and then evolved into the market tavern. So we'll start with finch market and.

Q

Then you'll hear from me again in hopefully about six or nine months with market tavern, tawny, town.

Q

So we'll continue to provide local foods, local gourmet food options, gift baskets.

Q

And then, hopefully, the beer and wine option will help round things out for the community. There's.

Q

Nothing like finch market in the downtown area, or even close to the downtown tontitown district.

Q

So it's definitely been well received by the community. People are excited that we're there and.

Q

Then I'm finding a lot of my old psycho friends have moved to the northern parts of the county.

Q

Foreign, but I hope the board will recognize my prior track record as a successful.

Q

And responsible business owner, I'm holding a liquor license in the past.

B

Gentlemen, any questions of zilli.

B

Ant, this is ron and do you have an expected date of opening? um We are already open, we're.

Q

Just open with without the liquor license. Okay, so you have all the necessary certifications.

F

From the county and the town and all this kind of stuff and you're selling, what kind of goods.

Q

um So local gourmet food, so it's a little grocery store with a little higher end. Products try to.

Q

Focus on the surrounding community to pick out the products, but cheeses and charcuterie will have.

Q

Some dairy from south mountain creamery shortly as we just got the health department approval.

F

So I testified to it's reminiscent of what you started: market tavern in sykesville, yes, and how.

F

Long, have you been open, um finch market we opened on november 16th? Okay, how are things going good.

Q

Not as much foot traffic as sykesville, but it's it's coming along. So it's also very cold outside.

Q

Is this the property that's on the corner of maine and fsk highway? Now, where, where is this.

K

Then um so 27 east baltimore street is approaching the square, the corner of york and east baltimore.

E

It's about two doors up in a fire department: yeah; okay, that's better; and next to city hall, okay,.

F

So in your application, you have this for the use of market tavern, llc.

F

And who owns market tavern llc? I do.

F

100 percent okay uh in the in the file there's some documentation that.

F

Someone owns five percent. Would that be a mark? Truby uh jennifer owns 48.

F

And peter owns 47, so that is a new, um a newer change. Okay,.

F

um So can you provide us the uh documentation that supports that? uh How how was that change made.

Q

um So my so mark truby is my ex-brother-in-law and then peter truby is my ex-husband right.

Q

So there was a sale of marital property that resulted in me buying him out of the business.

F

Okay, I saw that, but um I saw a transfer from peter to jennifer uh 48, so that was one transfer. Now you.

F

Say, there's been a second transfer, yes, and he was a resident agent for uh market tavern llc. um That.

Q

Would be me okay, so again, we'll need documentation, because right now the resident agent in our file.

F

Is uh peter? Okay, I'm sure? That's not how you want it. You know: okay, okay, I will follow up with that.

B

You were the the licensee of market tavern in sykesfield. Yes, sir, for how long.

Q

um I took over the license in 2018 from my ex-husband, but I was involved in running.

Q

All of our businesses, since 2013. and market tablet was there since 2013.

B

Were there any violations during that period of time one? What was that it was this past february.

Q

um So I feel like I was just here: um miss madison's served someone with a vertical id.

B

Market tavern, I'm trying to think was there.

B

A question of different number of tables or space sometime long ago, we did have an issue.

Q

When we moved to the most recent location, us at 7540 main street, we had to knock down walls and.

Q

You guys had provided a temporary approval so that we could do the build out in order to serve liquor.

Q

So yes, there was, there was some discussion about um the number of tables and occupancy.

Q

During that time- and you just had a just- had a violation down there within the past year, yes.

Q

But that was my first and only one and and you've been there since 13. correct.

B

Any questions not this time, questions at this time it looks like um from our from an older wave chart.

F

The new wave chart doesn't have market tavern. Now we once they turned license and we delete.

F

Yeah, okay, that makes sense. um Anyhow, it looks like that you had.

F

um Years of successful compliance checks, then you had the recent problem right.

B

Is there any other questions applicant at this time? Not this time? No, no! Okay.

B

There are no other questions at this time. Would you like to move on? We can move on. Okay. I have.

G

Some of my friends that are in the audience, speak on my behalf. Okay, who wants to start.

U

Good morning my name is jay mishu, that's m-e-a-s-h-e-y.

U

Although many people may know me by my preferred name mish, I am the economic development director.

U

For the city of tiny town and the main street manager for main street tawny, town.

U

uh And although I'm here today in my professional capacity, I am also a resident of tawny town.

U

Living at 109, east baltimore street just two blocks from the applicant's place of business.

U

We support ms elliott's application for a class d. Beer and wine license at 27 east baltimore street.

U

In taneytown and we further encourage the board to approve sales for off-premises consumption.

U

The finch market concept brings a selection of gourmet groceries to downtown tontitown their.

U

Offerings are beneficial, both the tontitown residents and to our visitors. Staying at.

U

Establishments like antrim 1844 country house, hotel and georgia's own york bed and breakfast.

U

Oh excuse me: we believe that offering a carefully curated selection of beer and.

U

Wine to further benefit residents and visitors. We're also hopeful that the increased revenue.

U

Will lead in due time to increase deployment at the market, although some and tiny town have.

U

A perception of there being too many outlets to access beer and wine. We are not concerned.

U

Thunderhead bowl and grill cinco de mayo and the antrim 1844 are the only on-premises licensees.

U

In tontitown, we're also confident that the price point of finch market will prevent any.

U

Potential abuse of the market as an outlet for outlaw sales. Finally, we have confidence in ms.

U

Elliott, personally, as the operator of a licensed establishment on small business saturday, we were.

U

Pleasantly surprised to find the mayor of sykesville in taneytown, supporting ms elliott.

U

As you know, market tavern was previously located in sykesville that level of support from an.

U

Elected official clearly communicates that ms elliott is a business woman of good character and.

U

Integrity that impression was further cemented in an interview I had with her prior to this hearing.

U

Thank you for your consideration and I'm happy to answer any questions from the board or staff.

B

You said uh two doors up from the fire department. So do you have a mental picture of tiny town.

U

Do you have a mental picture of of being of baltimore street? Yes,.

U

Yes, okay! So if you're looking at city hall, 17, east baltimore street and directly to the left.

U

There is a parking lot to the right, there's a red building and then to the right of that is.

U

A brick building, and that is where, from the ice cream billboard is, um I would say, 75 feet. Maybe.

B

F

Can I just get your name again yeah? My first name is j j, a y and my last name.

U

Is mishi [music] m-e-a-s-h-e-y and I can leave you with business cards if you would like? Okay.

F

And in your capacity with tony town is economic development, director and main street manager.

U

I apologize at the beginning. I was for some reason holding my breath as I spoke. Thank you.

B

Thank you, sir. Next witness.

T

Chris tillman christopher tillman t-I-l-l-m-a-n, I reside at 10 york street in taneytown.

T

I'm also owner of georgia's on york, bed and breakfast at that same location.

T

um I have only known miss elliott for a very brief time, since she moved up to.

T

Tawny town, but I can tell you that in 2016, when we were looking at locations to build.

T

Out or open a bed and breakfast we had been in sykesville and were very pleasantly uh and very.

T

Impressed with her operation from that time, so I'm familiar with the with the location.

T

um At one point earlier in this year, several of us in town were actually looking at possibly opening.

T

A wine bar in that particular spot, which we were going to actually mark. um We were using market.

T

Tavern as a model uh when, when mazzelli became available to actually do what we were looking at.

T

Doing uh you know it became a no-brainer for for us to say hey, you know, come do this here.

T

um You know it's it's great to have an experienced person opening that kind of.

T

A business as opposed to someone like me, who would be coming in cold and learning everything.

T

As we go so uh the the businesses itself excuse me uh will be very beneficial for tawny, town.

T

um As you may or may not know that we're this a current a bit of a uh retail resurgence in.

T

Downtown tontitown, which finch market will be a huge part of um you know we need all of the.

T

Role that we can get um miss elliot spoke of the not so much foot traffic, but we want to.

T

Actually, you know obviously change that and finch market opening will be part of that change. So we.

T

Are speaking for myself for my business and also speaking for the 20 town chamber of commerce, we.

T

Are very much in favor of miss elliott, opening her business there and and having the liquor license.

B

Questions of this witness, how has your bed and breakfast deal? Does it.

K

Do we we're doing fine we've we had our best year ever this past year,.

T

um You know we, we survived covid um we've, you know our our occupancy is continually increasing and.

T

uh We were recently named the number one bed and breakfast in the area by trip advisor good.

F

Breakfast again, george is on york bed and breakfast george's. What george is on york? We're.

T

At 10 york street, thank you. What's in the old hotel now the old, the old hotels is apartments.

T

And there's a barber shop on the ground floor and also a um a reverse mortgage business occupying.

T

Office space on the corner, any other questions, if not. Thank you very much, sir you're. Next.

V

My name is mark stevenson, s-t-e-p-h-e-n-s-o-n.

V

I reside at nine york street and taneytown maryland 21787.

V

um My wife and I bought the ryan dollar state two years ago. This.

V

This month, with the intention of being a part of a downtown revitalization,.

V

We in the past have done projects like this in eastern maryland. We were part of the original.

V

Berlin surge over 20 years ago and after living in baltimore for 10 years, we decided we had enough.

V

Of that and we had a, we had a brand new baby born and we wanted to come out back to more of.

V

A rural setting, tawny, town sort of got on our radar as expansion for that kind of opportunity.

V

You drive through the town, and you know you can tell there hasn't been a lot happening for a long.

V

Time but that's changing, and we want to be a part of that when we found out I've known jen since.

V

I've known her over a decade since the salazon chocolate days of the very beginning of.

V

Market tavern um she was a customer customer of mine for a number of years.

V

For our family business and when I found out that she had a situation in sykesville.

V

As mr tillman had mentioned, we already have had plans to sort of upscale the revitalization in.

V

The town and she is more than the perfect fit, um not just the the type of business, but the quality.

V

Of person that she is the demographics in west carroll county aren't what they used to be, and.

V

The opportunity for the folks that are moving into the developments that are coming out here.

V

Don't have that don't have a place to participate like they could like, they will.

V

Westminster, frederick and gettysburg they get that money. They get that economic development.

V

New economic development director working hard to make those things happen, the bigger picture and.

V

The smaller main street picture, this finch market is the beginning of what I believe is the linchpin.

V

To finally get that revitalization push over the hump, the downtown needs food and beverage. It needs.

V

A place to socialize, it needs a place for patrons of the antrim. The george is on york and just the.

V

In the residents of the town to be able to go that, doesn't necessarily you know mean you're driving.

V

Through a drive-through, they need a sit-down place, they need a place to congregate and they need that.

V

That salt or whatever I can never remember the name of that really cool place right here in.

V

Westminster next to the rock salt rock salt, you know an establishment that people you know have.

V

The local feel it has a local supplier, you know, and it's the feel that you know we currently.

V

Only have one you know opportunity to get half of that experience. You know, on the other end of town.

V

Finch market is the reason why I say it's: the linchpin is because this is what allows.

V

Miss elliott to start again with her full offering of what started. In my opinion, the.

V

Big push in sykesville a decade ago, and if we can give her this opportunity to make this part happen,.

V

Phase two of miss elliott in tawny town is a bigger project. Is that that that big mainstay.

V

But we have to get. We have to get her established on this one, while we're working on that one and.

V

To keep the momentum that tawny town has has begun to build, so we're not really just talking.

V

About opportunity for her, this is a really important two-phase project for this town.

V

And not to put any crazy pressure on you, but it is this is this is as.

V

Close as tawny town has ever been in recent years of really making that change happen.

V

So and that's all I got thank you any questions of this witness. No.

B

You have anything else to say because I'd just like to.

Q

Thank my friends from tony town for coming with me. I've already started forging bonds.

Q

With people as I did in sykesville, so it feels good to have the support.

B

W

If I could ask an informational questions to chairman, yes, ma'am, um a class d license.

W

Is restricted to a tavern, boutique or specialty establishment, and she lists herself in here as.

W

A food market- I just wondered how that makes it a specialty or makes it the criteria for a class d.

B

My question would be: are there any other class d's in that district, because they're only allowed one.

E

The brewery got moved when the brewery used to be right and they got moved out of the class diesel.

B

The other class d's tony towns allowed one.

B

The interpretation, what page is that on 39.

F

Mr chairman, if I might respond um to the question yes.

F

I'm familiar with her previous enterprise market tavern. I was a frequent visitor.

F

And I always considered that to be a specialty, boutique type of shop, she would provide cheeses.

F

You couldn't get anywhere else, specialty and spices. You couldn't get anywhere else.

F

And I think that's what she intends to do here as not to provide budweiser necessarily at the bar.

F

But special beverages that you're not finding too many places. So if she's intending to follow.

F

The paradigm that she set at market tavern, um I would consider that to be a specialty.

F

um Shop, unique that is correct. I try to work with smaller distributors which, which.

Q

Gives me harder to find wines and then I focus on the craft hard to find beers.

Q

People are very into that. You should get miller lite anywhere right, so it's similar to the vinyl.

F

Main street, which has wines that you can't walk into a package and get so they're kind.

F

Of specialty, that's my interpretation. Thank you for your clarification, yeah, a bike. My.

B

Presumption was that it would be a very similar establishment, as she had in sykesville as.

B

Commissioner, barn artist was just explaining that's why my only question.

B

Was if there was another class d up there, where only they're only allowed one in the district, so.

B

That's why, yes, any further questions of the applicant, I do um serve food where you are.

F

Now, no it's just just a market, just a market, and then the tavern is coming soon. See me again.

B

So it would be similar to what you did in sykesville, but I'll have a full kitchen. This time.

F

You will have yes, okay, well, that'd, be a big step up. Yes, definitely.

B

There are no other questions of this witness.

B

Inspector benford, do you have any comments? Yes, I do, um I do not believe should be miss.

E

Elliott we fit in proper holder license. There are some several examples I had when she was at.

E

Market tavern um doing that underage violation. She was at the tavern at the time drinking. She.

E

Was she was not behind the bar, but she was drinking while the underage sale went on.

E

Other times, she's been drinking at the establishment, also not behind a bar, but.

E

At a table at marker tavern as an owner, she's, always my opinion that she's always working as.

E

An owner, even though you're not there behind the bar serving something you are working.

E

This application that she felt almost didn't fill out completely.

E

Incorrectly, she also wrote two checks that bounced she has made do on those checks.

E

But they did, she did write two checks that had to be redone with a cashier's check.

E

Sykesville police chief contacted me when she was about ready to leave the tavern.

E

Down sykesville, she made several comments about destroying property in that tavern. I did talk to.

E

Her she said there was just at the heat of the moment, but with having sex with the police. You.

E

Had to call me to make sure nothing happens to the property that does not belong to her.

K

Who was going to destroy property? Miss elliott was she she threatened to destroy.

E

The bar and do other things to the property up to that what you know, what prompted that.

E

um My opinion was, she was frustrated, she was being evicted or maybe not.

E

Evicted but getting kicked out for past rent due and but that's my opinion. Okay.

F

Okay and who told you that the police chief of sykesville, so police, chief seisel, reported to you.

F

A threat, yes did he hear the threat? Was it reported to him? I was reported him and I was asked.

K

To who reported it to him? I do not know that you don't know that. I don't recall him telling me that.

E

During her testimony, she actually called this a grocery store.

E

She testified, this is gonna, be our grocery store.

E

We don't allow, we don't issue licenses to grocery stores. She never testified.

E

Throughout her testimony, until until asked by your recollection how she, this is a specialty.

E

Restaurant, she never testified, it's gonna be independent wine. She never tested buys to be hard.

E

So I don't think as a gourmet market or slash grocery store.

E

That we should issue a license to her.

K

So she's sit with the groceries. No, she testified to you two today, it's great it's gonna, be a.

E

Grocery store, I was trying to explain the gourmet food market aspect of it, but to include the hard.

Q

To find beer and wine, but she never testified that she said she'd call it a grocery store.

E

She never said a hard to find beer wine. She never says anything about.

E

Specialty beer and wine only time, mr barnhart, that's what you believed she.

E

Was going to do, we all know that for a fact, she never testified for that.

F

Have you been there? I posted I looked inside, but I've not been inside.

F

Okay, then, mr chairman, is it all right for me to ask a follow-up question to the republican.

F

uh Miss elliot, can you tell us what food goods are available in your store now.

Q

Hopefully, specialty potato chips, peanuts, crackers, cheese, salami.

Q

um Different salsas sauces, cooking goods, olive oils. We do have some bath and body products as.

Q

Well, we're doing seasonal or seasonal gift baskets that are a big hit during the holiday season.

F

Okay, so so let's talk about the um the foods.

F

What brands are they that make them special or or are they food stuffs that you cannot find anywhere.

F

Else in tony town, for instance, cannot find them at a normal grocery store, so route 11 chips.

Q

um So down in harrisonburg virginia is a big seller, virginia diner, peanuts.

Q

um I work with a pickle company up in pennsylvania, called crisp and co, so they do pickled. You know.

Q

Normal pickles and then pickled green beans and mushrooms brussels sprouts that kind of fun stuff.

F

So so they're kind of local I try to. I try to grab from all of the local businesses that I.

Q

Can because I know what it's like to be a small business owner that was about the cheeses um so.

Q

Cheeses are coming from south mountain creamery, so there's nobody in town. Currently, that's.

Q

um Supporting that local local business and then um just from my market tavern experience very into.

Q

Some of the hard to find european cheeses, so not something you're going to get at safeway food lion.

Q

Right, so are you carrying us products? I'm sorry, you carry uts products, no.

F

Mr chairman, may I read my questioning to the character witnesses.

B

Yes, sir, would either of you, gentlemen, want to address this board as to.

F

The kind of foods that are found inside of uh finch and to tell us why, if you do feel this way,.

F

Why they are special in tony town or if they're not tell us, why they're not.

B

State, your name again, please mark stevenson, s-t-e-p-h-e-n-s-o-n. So the reason why I.

V

Even know jen elliott is because they in their original concept, as they are doing as she's doing.

V

Independently in this project, the crux of the business is all about local sourcing.

V

Okay, it's not about cisco, it's not about giant food. It's about local, the whole model, and this.

V

Is a model that I have built a business in in the last 25 years, that is all focused on local.

V

Okay, now local could also mean like virginia diner. It's a it's, a company that sells its product on.

V

The bigger market, okay, you can find that in some higher end stores like a whole foods or a wegmans.

V

Maybe I don't know but they're a family company nonetheless, so they qualify in and they're also.

V

In virginia they're within 150 miles, so they're they're in the scope of that okay, the point is.

V

Is that all of the products that you'll find there? You could look on that package and you.

V

Could call that company and you're probably going to get the guy that either owns it or made it? Okay,.

V

The wine, you know, there's only so much reasonable wine you can get, but there is hard to find wine.

V

You can get that's not from the region, so it's all specialty. Okay, there's nothing. In fact,.

V

What she's, basically doing, and what we're helping her do is we're helping her take her original.

V

Concept when it started in its smallest form on main street in sykesville and we're putting it.

V

On steroids, because we can put that market in a much bigger space as a separate entity.

V

Why we work on the next phase and also want to make a comment you didn't ask.

V

It specifically, but I just feel like this needs to be addressed. Okay, if any of you.

V

Guys are in business or have been been in a business or closed the business or whatever.

V

The last couple of years put a lot of really well established businesses out of business. Okay,.

V

And you add some cancer and a divorce and a tough situation in a town where real estate.

V

Is owned by maybe one or two people, and then somebody gets the idea that.

V

They just want to do their thing in your space, because you've been so successful.

V

You're probably going to be pushed to a point where the bank account gets a little bit low.

V

Okay, I think it's really unbecoming of somebody in a public capacity to not have a little bit.

V

Of compassion for what business has been through, particularly small business in the.

V

Last three or four years there are businesses that are bigger than her that closed this year,.

V

I believe in her and I believe in her model and I know what it did for that town.

V

And I want to do it the same thing in my town.

V

You're not going to have any problem with her compliance. Her finances are really none.

V

Of his concern or anyone's it's of hers, and if she can't run a business, she won't last.

V

Very long, but she lasted more than a decade in a town that had nothing when she started.

V

Local, yes, regional, yes, especially yes, and I also invite each and every one of you especially.

V

These two, if they haven't been in the building that she's going to occupy before you comment.

V

On it come up and see it. Thank you unless you have anything else for me, any questions dylan.

B

Did you say you were from easton no I'm from salisbury, but we did a project in easton.

V

As a matter of fact, in a very similar time, we were part of a a revamp of the original market.

V

House in the downtown historic district- and it took us two years to get it built and just.

V

As soon as we pulled the trigger, then you know the housing crisis happened, it didn't, kill the.

V

Business but some of the businesses that we were recruiting and partnering to be in that project.

V

Had to step away from it, you know that building currently, I'm not sure, what's really happening.

V

With it now, but the point is, is that you win some, you lose some, you know, and it's not always on the.

V

It's always on the back of the small guy, but the tide always gets started in the much bigger ocean.

V

And how long have you been at tully town, I've been in tawny, town it'll be two years this month.

V

We moved in on the very last day of december in 2019, or I guess yeah 2019. and um we bought.

V

The ryan dollar property at nine york um the same year, of course, there's a lot of a lot of.

V

Renovations going on in that building, but we took the historic carriage house and we have an event.

V

Small event, space that we offer back there. We do a lot of private parties and some you know we do.

V

A makers market once a month that is designed to recruit crafters and makers of whatever.

V

Give them a place to sell, get seen and then those we find out where those businesses are in. You know.

V

Is it a hobby? Are you serious about it? Do you have a product that you can really market and then we.

V

Plug them in with the businesses on main street, we also have number one york street or number one.

V

Frederick street, we don't own the building, we rent the first floor in the basement. We have a a south.

V

Mountain creamery based ice cream counter and a coffee counter that we've built out that's going.

V

In the front, and then in the center space, we've incubated a crafter who has you know a business.

V

Model to help sell other crafter stuff kind of like the heart made collaborative here. They.

V

Work together with those girls in taneytown, so I've given her that space for six months.

V

No rent to give her the opportunity to get established, so we can get things moving so.

V

People so things last on main street, so we're doing things creative out there and.

V

They don't look necessarily conventional okay, but we're looking at the long term. I don't care.

V

About the short-term turns anymore, we have a this is a big project and there's a big push.

V

And I'm not the only one this this was set in motion before I got there. I just happened to be.

V

Enough weight to finally get the rock off the hill. That's in the old chinese restaurant on.

B

The square so market tavern will be going into the old chinese restaurant.

V

Her full rest, full restaurant tavern will be in that building. We haven't approached.

V

That building yet because we're still in the build out phase we're still trying to get what.

V

We're working with the owners of that building to get the floor plan laid and then we'll start.

V

Working on that she'll be back here for a change of location, then no no finch market. We are setting.

V

Up as a a a a standalone concept, what's in calvin harris calvin amos is building on the other corner.

B

Say that again, calvin amos used to own the other corner, which would be the northwest.

B

Corner, what's there dance studio, the dance studio is still there. Yes, what's on the other.

B

Corner there's been numerous establishments on the other corner. That's me. That's that's. Coffee,.

V

Ice cream and a retail incubator space that right now is, like you know, wreaths and kitchen stuff.

V

And more of the ladies type stuff, you know that kind of thing: that's the incubator space in there.

V

So the the square basically is full. We just have to get it all built now.

V

So I'm sorry did you testify that you owned the building where she is now? No. No. I do not.

V

I own I own one house and then I rent, I, I rent the storefronts in um at number one frederick.

V

Okay and I we have a carriage house business that is on our property on our on our personal property.

V

It is his own commercial, the whole the whole property is okay. Okay, thank you.

U

If you do mine, mr chairman, once again I am jay mishi m-e-a-s-h-e-y and I work two.

U

Doors down from finch market- uh and I can answer the question about specifically what.

U

They carry because every time I swipe my card there, I get an emailed receipt.

U

um The crispery um makes um rice krispie treats, although.

U

um At six dollars for one it's a little bit different than a conventional one,.

U

um Jessie's nutty cups make peanut butter cups, it's five dollars for two of the mini ones, but.

U

It's amazing quality peanut butter. um They have a brand called twist. They are mocktail uh mixers.

U

I got the one called manhattan berry um dick, like manhattan, said: what's that we.

B

Must like manhattans, then it's it's after after everything is set up at one york street. I hope to.

U

um Dick taylor brand chocolate bars. I got one in the orange bourbon pecan dark flavor, um a pocket.

U

Latte, it's a wonderful little chocolate bar that has as much caffeine as a whole cup of coffee.

U

um And then I got two they're called teespressa instant cocktail kits they're little cubes. That.

U

You drop in the bottom of a glass of beer or the bottom of a glass of champagne to flavor.

U

Them those are christmas gifts going elsewhere, um but I hope that that will help you a little.

U

Bit with the sort of specialty and hard to find brands, do you feel these are specialty items? I do.

U

um In tontitown we have a kenny's and a food lion and I'm confident none of those items are.

U

There, oh also, I used to live in state college pennsylvania for 20 years, where there is a tate.

U

Farm that makes their own jams and I walked into market, I'm sorry to finch tavern and she has tate.

U

Farm jam from central pennsylvania- and I probably can't find that anywhere else in all of maryland,.

B

Thank you, sir.

B

Move anybody at this time.

F

I'm inclined to make a motion to for us to briefly adjourned. Yes, I agree I'll second.

K

That dude, uh mr chairman, I make a motion that we briefly adjourn for legal advice in this matter.

F

Guess I get that well, she's been properly made and seconded that we adjourned.

B

For legal advice, is there any further discussion on the motion? No, those in favor signify is saying.

B

Aye aye opposed no the eyes have it. We will adjourn for a legal advice.

B

Okay, we're back I'd like to make a motion to go back into open session.

F

I second the motion motion has been made and promptly second, and that we go back into regular.

B

Session any further discussion on the motion. No all those in favor signify the saying aye aye.

B

Opposed no so ordered gentleman, our adjournment was to receive legal information, and we are now.

B

Back in open session, mr chairman, I would like to at this time make a motion table this application.

F

To allow the applicant time to document our file with the current corporate ownership.

F

Okay, indicating that you're 100 owner of market tavern, llc, ostensibly that's done, but we need to.

F

Get it, but importantly, you also need to get a new resident agent. It's important to the board.

F

That the resident agent and working relationship with licensing so I'm making a motion to table.

F

Your application to allow you to get those documentation to us that we that we're asking for.

F

uh And if it's done promptly, it can be set on our agenda for the next hearing in january.

F

And and we can uh address the application at that time- that's my most, mr chairman,.

B

The recycling motion a second that any further discussion on the motion. No, no.

B

All is in favor signify is saying: aye aye opposed no, so ordered.

B

Miss elliott, uh the motion that you heard is necessary information.

B

As soon as possible, hopefully within 25 to 30 days at the most, so they can be placed on.

B

The february docket january or january, I'm sorry. I keep thinking we're in january now.

B

2022 is not here over, you understand what you need to do. I do okay, we'll look forward to.

B

Seeing you get that information in to complete the application, and hopefully you get it in.

B

Plenty of time that it can be on our january 18th, docket. Okay, thank you in the meantime,.

B

Happy holidays and best wishes for a lot of holiday sales.

B

B

E

11 45 case and foreign.

U

This time, I'd like to ask our attorney, mr almond, if he'll call k-6424, okay, one second, mr chair.

H

Okay, k6424 a request to change the county line, cantina license from.

H

Class b, beer and wine to class d, beer and wine by eric seletto.

H

Mr chairman, in the file we have a comment.

H

Letter from the carroll county health department at the above.

H

Reference establishment does meet the requirements of that office.

H

We have a letter from joe vance enclosed is the decision of a burden of this board.

H

From case 6424 on november 9th 2022.

H

We have the registration letter.

H

A notice of public hearing uh in the carroll county times for friday october 28 2022.

H

Comment memos from tom harris the department of.

H

Permits above reference does meet the requirements of this office.

H

From the town manager of the town of hampstead that it meets the required.

H

That the above reference establishment meets the requirements of this office.

H

Yeah, we have an application. Actually I apologize. We have the notice of the hearing october 11, 2022.

H

um And then we have the application.

H

A list of character, references.

H

Mba records.

H

A criminal background check the state department of assessment and taxation report.

H

Workers compensation insurance.

H

The articles of incorporation ownership information, the menu.

H

Floor plan, a plot plan and other licensed establishments in the area, as well as a lease.

H

And the asset purchase agreement. Mr chairman, I request that the file be entered in to the.

H

Record as evidence we'll accept that in the record at this time, I would ask all those.

B

Who intend to testify in this case? Please stand raise your right hand and be sworn in by ms vance.

W

You swear or from under the penalties of perjury, that the testimony you're about to.

C

Give is the truth, all faith and nothing, but the truth. Thank you may be seated. Mr ritzy.

X

Afternoon, mr chairman, for the record michael ritchie, uh senator preston, boswell western.

X

Westminster maryland on behalf of the establishment, um mr chairman, I know you.

X

Guys went long and the last one we're going to be brief. We were here before you last month.

X

For a transfer of a class b license, sorry, um which you approved, uh clients have settled on.

X

On both the real estate and the asset purchase agreement, um we were unaware at the time that.

X

Whatever interpretation of the regs vis-a-vis breweries uh now allows them to serve on premise.

X

Without having a separate class d license, we would have applied for a class d. Had we known that to be.

X

The case we applied for the class b you granted it. Apparently the class d is available because pipe.

X

Side doesn't need a class d any longer, so we are asking the board to downgrade our license from a.

X

Class b to a class d- in summary: that's why we're here I have mr salido, the majority owner here and.

X

He can take just a few moments to explain why this might work out better for him. Mr salido.

B

Hello good morning, how are you good afternoon now, mr salido uh state your name and address.

X

For the record, please eric salido 3391 schaefer drive hampstead maryland. Thank you and just.

X

Take a few moments if you will and explain to the board why this uh by uh downgrading to a.

X

Class d would kind of fit your business plan a little bit better well keep discussing with us.

Y

Our property is limited in seating to 25 it's in the county. It's not public water or sewer. So.

Y

We can only see 25 people inside of the building. My thought was that with the limitations and the.

Y

Well and septic and the seating requirements d number one- would be better for that situation.

Y

It'll never be a large restaurant unless something changes and I'm able to add more seats or add an.

Y

Addition where, in that case, I would come back for a bee license that would be able to serve liquor.

Y

This is a beer wine, so I'm looking to be like a local tavern, just promoting local craft beer.

Y

And wine, like brewery fire, pub dog, pipe the side and kind of like butler cabin in baltimore, county.

Y

Where it's not as much food but fill food, that was kind of my idea so we'll be selling like.

Y

Higher dollar items, which kind of makes it difficult to meet the food criteria which.

Y

Just a high ticket average on the beer, I'm afraid we might not be able to meet that.

Y

That criteria, which is 51 percent, it also would allow us to open earlier, hopefully.

Y

Late january early february, so I wouldn't have to establish the whole menu the training, the hiring.

Y

Etc, I currently have a deli, and one of my thoughts was because it's so short staffed and we've had.

Y

Trouble finding help I was going to split staff, which means I would have to close my deli at least.

Y

Sometimes I don't know if it would be full time, but at least a few days and then a concept I had.

Y

Thought about was providing a location for local food trucks. I know some of them have been looking.

Y

For a place to go because they're getting pushed out certain areas, I'm in talks with a couple of.

Y

Them now about maybe providing a location for them where I would actually just have an area.

Y

Inside for patrons to eat and then I could serve them drinks and I wouldn't open the restaurant. I'm.

Y

Sorry, the kitchen in that situation, so it would be more sales, they would bring the food in and.

Y

Eat it there, so it's our best chance for success. In my opinion, as a business, I think doing it that.

Y

Way makes more sense for our business model and that's that's what we're here for today.

F

I may ask you a question sure: are you changing the menu that we have in our file, so my thought.

Y

Was to grow into the menu as the customers that I've. From my experience, I found that.

Y

Not all of my ideas worked, but what I thought about was coming up with a basic menu when we.

Y

Did open it would have those items or a number of those items in it when we did open chicken.

Y

Fingers wings burgers what's on there, but I wouldn't carry that full menu. All the time.

Y

Yeah right so I'm sorry, I'm sorry! So so when you open, if you open under a class d, your memo menu.

F

Would be a subset of of this? Maybe yes, sir, and I'm sorry, I didn't explain this one of.

Y

The gentlemen who was looking at was thinking about doing something early afternoon. One of.

Y

The requirements for the b is five days a week, two meals a day. I might only open for dinner. They they.

Y

Might do lunch and then I might open for dinner depending on how it all works and again I'm going.

Y

Into this- and it's just it's just risk, I figured I'd, take a shot at it. I want to do whatever works.

Y

For that location, right and you talk about having food trucks, I'm hoping to yes, sir.

F

And can you refresh my memory? What are you doing right now? Are you open.

F

No okay, and, and when do you expect to be open, um it depends um if I get the the downgrade.

Y

I could probably get something open late january early february if I have to commit to the full.

Y

Menu training staffing- all of that- probably not till march or april- okay- and you would classify.

F

County line cantina has a tavern yeah and there was market tavern. I saw on sykesville butler.

Y

Cabin it's just kind of like a local tavern. That and again my focus is going to be. I just.

Y

Purchased a draft system for the location to to push beers from the area that maybe a great.

Y

Example is brewery fire. I love their stuff, have a good reworking relationship with them.

Y

But they're in tawny, town it exposes to which is northwest I'm going to be southeast, which.

Y

Is the complete opposite side of the county, but it exposes their product to different.

F

Consumers and, in addition to being in your mind, a tavern, would you be a specialty shop? That's what.

Y

I'm looking to do yep yep specialty as far as the product that you I do. A lot of draft only stuff.

Y

That's that's my goal because a lot of the stuff they don't can put in six packs or four packs a.

Y

Lot of it's draft only so it's only available out of a tap system, so I would do or I would.

Y

Apply for a crowler system or crowler license, I'm sorry buy a crowler system and then you.

Y

Yeah, that's that's kind of my target, my focus. Okay,.

B

This vance, how many diesels in hampstead now.

L

One million lace tea room. Now it's called the green tea. Only one.

E

That's in hampstead, yes,.

C

Yes, it's um green tea room or something green leaf, maybe relief or something yeah. I like linen lace.

E

Tea rooms, the side went to the brewery d, there's one available, two total. So this was a slick way.

B

Of getting it, I think it was there's three, I think roman had one didn't they. No okay. I'm sorry.

Y

I thought there was three available. Oh wow is amazing, green.

B

K

uh So you'll be just you'd just be sticking to beer and wine, then correct. No liquor.

B

Class b has to be a restaurant right.

B

That's what you applied, that's what we issued correct based upon those requirements. Yes, sir, now.

B

You want to downgrade it within 30 days to a class d. Well, because we were unaware that the d was.

Y

Available, I believe county line wanted to apply for a d, but there were none available when they.

Y

Came if I'm not mistaken, I think that's required yes elections. So the advantage to you downgrading.

K

To a d is going to be your hours of operation. Is that your main reason that labor is another one.

Y

And again the idea of the food truck thing, I love and that's something I want to take a shot at and.

Y

I think, in that situation they are the kitchen which would enable me to you know, facilitate a.

Y

Location for the food trucks and then, if somebody wanted to eat inside then I can accommodate them.

Y

But that's not necessary for me to open the kitchen at that point in time. So what are you.

K

Going to do just use food trucks, are you going to my intent is to eventually grow it and then.

Y

Hopefully I'll be back to you in a couple years and asking for an upgrade yes, I apologize for the.

F

Do we know the population of that electric election district? Mr mr richie, do we have.

X

Numbers I have not looked at that in a while. I think it's around, because I remember looking.

E

At it's, I think it's around 14 300. um they're, like little below manchester.

F

Okay, so there's room for one one more. No, yes, there's room two! Well then it's yeah.

C

They can have two: they can have two there's one available, one available for one room, so.

E

They're, like seven like a few hundred votes, shorter people shorter getting the third one.

K

Right one for five thousand right right, so it's not over 15.. I thought it was over 50.

E

Doobly got you, we just got figures. I could be wrong, but yeah too long ago, yeah. We just got.

C

Figures, yeah census figures. Within the past I get a monthly 60 months or six months yeah. We.

E

Have them upstairs in the office? I mean it's one issue here, right, there's clearly one available. Yes,.

E

I think any other questions yeah. I think you're higher than this witness.

X

I have nothing further of this witness, mr chairman, every every nothing else has.

X

Changed since last month, when you approved the application uh for the for them to be.

B

So he's still fitting proper and all the stuff. We certainly hope so. Mr chairman.

E

X

I don't have anything further of mr salida.

B

Do you want to move on? uh Mr chairman, that's all I have. I don't think I need to put anything else.

X

Or anyone else on uh the character reference from last month is here. If you want to hear.

X

From her again, but um nothing else has changed in that regard. uh I would summarize by saying.

X

um uh You've already approved the app the application for the class b, we're requesting.

X

A downgrade which is not all that common, but it would fit um mr salido's business plan a.

X

Little bit better and and we request that you consider that application as amended.

B

Well, she didn't say nothing bad about him last time, so unless she's changed.

B

Her mind she wouldn't be here, you wouldn't think I wouldn't think no.

E

I got a question you're, not the licensee correct license. He is you, don't want acid latency if.

E

He's absolutely yeah, he wants to do it. Well, you know you can stand down.

F

Would I want to ask him the license he wants to do it? Please do it? Do you agrees to it? You know.

X

Can you state your name and address for the record? Please? Yes, neil troutman, 808 trapper.

X

Court hampstead maryland and you are the recently approved resident licensee for.

X

The county line cantina as of last month is that correct, correct, heard my statement. You've heard.

X

Mr salido testify as to why we're requesting the downgrade. Do you agree with that request? Yes, I do.

X

I do seem that it fits there what we're trying to do better. What's the hours you have to work.

X

ah Nothing further, mr chairman, any questions of the licensing.

B

Very none. Thank you very much for that long dissertation. Thank you, mr travel.

B

I assume uh mr ritchie you've already given your closing remarks prior to his testimony.

X

It's sort of I did yes, mr chairman, all testimony and evidence is hereby close. You want to reiterate.

B

Your closing remarks, or just let it the way it is. I am happy to let it go the way it is. Mr chairman,.

B

Victor, you have any fine comments. I have no other comments. Hearing none testimony and evidence is.

B

Presented and closed, we will deliberate on the validity of this application. Gentlemen,.

B

Comments, questions motions, uh mr chairman. The testimony, I think clearly shows that it would.

F

Be advantageous to the owner, mr saletto, and consequently to the licensee uh to have the.

F

Application granted to downgrade to a class d that doesn't seem to be a population problem.

F

um And it seems to make business sense for for this establishment.

K

I agree with mr barnhart. I think it uh it's got it's a no-brainer for you to down downgrade right.

K

Now and there's one uh 1d license left up there in hampstead area um and you're certainly still fit.

K

And proper, as you were last last month, so with all that said, I could make a motion if it's okay with.

K

The chairman, please, do I make a motion to root to approve the request to change the county line.

K

Cantina license from a class b beer and wine to a class d, beer and wine. Is there a second? I second.

F

That motion most properly bathed and seconded that this board approved a request to change the county.

B

Line cantina license from a class b here in line to a class d, beer and wine. If I discuss it on a.

B

Motion, no all those in favor signify to saying aye, those no sower. Thank you very much. Congratulations.

B

Thank you best wishes and happy holidays. Thank you chairman. Thank you board members.

B

There's uh nothing else well in this agenda, so we'll go into the business meeting right.

B

First thing on the agenda is the approval of the minutes from november the 9th which.

B

You have received. Is there any corrections or additions hearing none, they stand approved as red.

B

We've already discussed the change of january hearing date to january the 18th and.

B

Hopefully that the tabled case will be on the agenda. There's a four floor and plot pan.

B

Submitted by harney vfw for approval for their using outdoor space.

E

A while ago, um we made a request to have all the vfws in american legions and all the clubs.

E

If they're going to use outdoor seating, their outdoor shooting area get it pre-approved, so we.

E

Don't have to come every month so far harney vfw zone, one has submitted plans, so we can.

E

Just approve it so next time they have an outdoor event, they don't need to have prior board approval.

B

I have no objections.

F

Nice plans, though no objections, nope.

B

Discussion of closure of nook cafe and restaurant.

E

um Is that the old place from the post office? No, no! That's down mount airy! That used to be the.

E

Ridge, okay, ridge, inn, queer ridge, inn, brick ridge, square ridge; it was queer three four brick ridge.

E

um Jim poland did it and compliance check down there last week and they failed.

E

After speaking to the manager, um it was determined, they've been they've.

E

Been talking about, the owners have been talked about closing and they wish to close in january.

E

Probably the first week in january, um the question is: what do we want to do with the violation.

B

When you say close in january, permanently closed permanent closed for sale again, it's.

E

Not in writing, but this I can get it in writing. They're they're, trying to find out what date.

E

They're going to do, but it's not in ryan, but talking to the managing owner. They are closing.

F

Same people who own the place in frederick yes, so they're selling the nook.

F

Correct the closing there is for sale, they haven't not selling it. Oh they're closing it.

F

But but they also have they have multiple licenses. Then it's the same people in frederick county.

E

Yes, but in maryland they have, they have another liquor license, sometimes don't recall, but I don't.

F

I I know the place that they own in frederick. What is that place called? I can't believe it has music.

F

All the time and it's on my facebook, so you're friends with them yeah I mean I did talk to them.

E

A little bit I mean if, if they, if the licensee wants to come back as a different location,.

E

There's a note: there could be an open violation or we just.

E

Admit selling to the underage it was no one else there. This was empty well, regardless.

K

If they closed, the licensees still will have a violation should have a violation on his record.

K

His or her record, if we have a hearing and how they turned their license in no.

F

Until they turn their license and they're subject to our jurisdiction, okay, that's just my thought.

F

I would agree, but if we have, if we get them scheduled for january january, 18th.

E

And they turn it in january, 2nd or whenever, when we come back, the third.

F

Still occurred, while they're operating in business, I still have a hearing, one okay,.

F

I just that was the question to put a board uh talking out loud about it. Now I agree with you.

B

I totally agree: we should have a hearing period. Are they tournament or not? Okay,.

B

Okay, the next scheduled item is appearance by brad boff priola, mr mrs alban, because I did not.

C

Do to management agreement, and so they left okay, he said if you need a letter stating.

C

That they'll be happy to send them, so they still operating yes on the people. Hours license well and.

E

What's her name um license, yes, they're still open they're still operating under her license. Yes, the.

F

Lady who yeah, who tried to take it teresa teresa, which I can't get a hold she's, not returning any.

E

Messages she's, I can't get a hold of her and we have not received the letter reservation letter.

E

From her okay, she and so we're, I think our last discussion was she's required to send the letter.

F

Under our rule, she hasn't so therefore, she can't grab the license off the wall. Correct so license.

F

Now is back on the wall. Correct and my question to you is simply this: since we can't reach her.

B

Does that create a violation that we can suspend their license.

E

E

I don't think it does maybe not an enumerated violation, but certainly.

F

But why I mean I haven't I haven't said we haven't said we haven't sent a written letter.

E

I actually it was supposed to hand deliver. I could not get a whole cont, we had couldn't meet.

E

At the same time, so I emailed the letter to her, she responded. She received email.

E

But she, but we have not since that email. I have not talked to her.

F

What if we do anything with the license, that's adverse her of the adverse to.

F

To the gentleman he's trying to keep it afloat and I do have an application for the people.

C

Who are buying it? Oh they're, scheduled for january 18., okay, so he's still operating.

B

It basically the way it was, and you have with there on the schedule for january 18th,.

E

Well, they also had some violations for the permit's office, but we'll discussed that one.

B

Okay, so they left so there's nothing. I my thought is: let it raw as it is and we'll.

F

See them the 18th and uh and there'll be an update of the status on many fronts. I guess.

F

I I don't want to to hurt the you know the gentleman who's trying to think of it. You know.

B

You have the application.

B

And everything is in order, as you know,.

F

These are people who are really buying the place yeah.

F

Okay, is there a management agreement that that was, we were supposed to discuss. That's right: okay, yeah.

B

All right, okay and we've already heard from lord glory days, grill.

B

I have nothing else on this agenda. Is there anything to be added last minute.

B

Any comments, questions for anything.

B

uh Mike I'm sorry yeah, like closing comments, would be that.

B

Mr harmony, it's been a pleasure to have you serve with you. That's my understanding that.

B

uh We will have a new member permanent member for uh the board and that you will be leaving.

B

The board and we certainly appreciate your service contributions and I enjoyed serving.

B

And we'll miss you good luck to you. Thank you. I don't know who I'll talk to about horses now.

B

I've learned something particularly with the as far as veterinary medicine goes, mr almond, you.

B

May have to fill in fill in for uh technical terms. Mr dixon he's not a horse person so.

H

I'll do my research. I was like that too. That's. It's been a pleasure and honor to.

F

Serve of george harmony. Thank you. I appreciate that it's been a pleasure serving with everyone.

C

Can I add that I would like to say the same thing. Thank you. I appreciate that.

B

If there's nothing else, we are scheduled or we're scheduled at what time.

E

One o'clock there's nothing else before this board. I wish you everybody a merry.

B

Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year, and with that this meeting is adjourned.