The St. Mary's County Alcohol Beverage Board convened on February 1, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding responsible alcohol service and employee compliance. The meeting highlighted recent incidents and procedural changes aimed at enhancing accountability within local establishments.

One significant discussion point involved the enforcement of alcohol service regulations. Board members reviewed a case where a waitress failed to complete the proper steps in serving alcohol, resulting in an automatic fail for the establishment. This incident underscored the importance of adherence to protocols, as employees who receive a "red card" for violations face serious consequences, including potential suspension or termination. The board noted that in Lexington Park, there have been eight successful tests with no red cards issued, indicating a positive trend in compliance.

The meeting also addressed modifications made to the daily sign-in sheet used by staff. Changes included a new line for employees to print their names and a requirement for servers to record the birth date from customers' IDs before serving alcohol. Additionally, managers are now required to sign off on pre-shift meetings that cover responsible alcohol service, reinforcing the establishment's commitment to compliance.

The board discussed the termination of an employee, Mr. Herndon, who was suspended following a violation. His case was reviewed, and after proper procedures were followed, he was ultimately terminated. The board emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for violations, reflecting their commitment to maintaining responsible alcohol service standards.

In conclusion, the meeting reinforced the board's dedication to ensuring compliance with alcohol service regulations and highlighted the importance of staff training and accountability in local establishments. The board plans to continue monitoring compliance and implementing further training initiatives to uphold these standards.