The St. Mary's County Alcohol Beverage Board convened on February 1, 2025, to discuss significant changes to outdoor seating regulations for local establishments, with a focus on the Toasted Foot Lounge and Brudergarten.

The Toasted Foot Lounge, represented by Robert Oler and Scott Reeves, sought permanent approval for their outdoor seating setup, which has been operational under temporary COVID-19 guidelines. The lounge has enclosed an alley adjacent to their location, measuring 10 feet wide and 50 feet long, with gates at both ends. Customers currently cannot transport their own drinks; instead, bartenders handle all drink deliveries. The board approved a conditional 90-day extension for this outdoor seating, contingent upon inspections and permits from the health department, fire marshal, and land use authorities.

In a related discussion, Geraldine LaRue of Brudergarten proposed extending their seating into the Shepherd's Oldfield Market common area after hours. This expansion aims to accommodate more patrons during colder months, utilizing an area that is typically underused post-7 PM. LaRue emphasized the need for fire sprinklers to meet safety regulations if the seating capacity exceeds current limits. The board expressed support for this initiative, also pending fire marshal approval.

Both discussions highlight the county's efforts to adapt local business operations in response to ongoing public health considerations while enhancing outdoor dining experiences. The board's decisions reflect a commitment to balancing economic activity with safety regulations, paving the way for more flexible outdoor dining options in St. Mary's County.