The St. Mary's County Alcohol Beverage Board convened on February 1, 2025, to address significant changes and ongoing business matters within the community. The meeting commenced with an important announcement regarding the resignation of Chair Ted Belevine, who stepped down to pursue a run for sheriff. Belevine expressed gratitude for his 16 months of service, and the board acknowledged his contributions while wishing him success in his new endeavor. Until a new chair is appointed by the governor, Vice Chair will assume the chair's responsibilities.

The board then moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting held on October 12, 2017. The minutes were unanimously approved, allowing the board to proceed with its agenda.

A key topic of discussion was the request for a 90-day extension of conditional approvals for Marketplace Wine and Spirits, previously known as Bay Country Liquors. The request was presented by Kirk Bassoon, who was sworn in to provide testimony. This extension is crucial for the establishment as it navigates the regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and operational readiness.

The discussions during this meeting highlight the ongoing evolution of local businesses and the regulatory framework that governs them. The resignation of the chair and the request for extensions reflect the dynamic nature of community leadership and business operations in St. Mary's County. As the board continues to address these matters, the implications for local commerce and governance remain significant, with the potential for further developments in the coming months.