[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6623081,"mediaKeyId","2777352-aa1fd1eab343e6b256cceb920c671964","parentId",2777352,"title","County to raise liquor application fee to $500; inspectors seek better coordination with sheriff on compliance checks","audioSeconds",453,"startMs",3757000,"endMs",4210000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2777352-aa1fd1eab343e6b256cceb920c671964&start=3757&end=4210","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2777352-aa1fd1eab343e6b256cceb920c671964/thumbnail_3757000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6623081/Caroline-County/Maryland/County-to-raise-liquor-application-fee-to-500-inspectors-seek-better-coordination-with-sheriff-on-compliance-checks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623081-396dba8ca553a115d87181fb4f22b6f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085611&Signature=jNyUDb16zLb4DuAbDp8ksftAl4fqqKpUJDkW1c9iAOHy333UglcMTiy~UhzhxNvW3j71rvCyj8Wg6~oh6FZFRycCbvvh9c3-JEZ23JXjez28iAL69EHYdiI2rcl2LOB3bv9n8bTj8khT5utByJ0FA2KzEGEPyP605S1swZ9wiK-Rn~UFLIy-Jf4zBGtYh1qasb~WsOGicComsPs3dNuqnALm6yx0OcdXP9BZeTVSQBciyrsbHD068gOfG4KU6K0xt4buw8FDC6Kx-elodGeDDv~9IRw68xAoeZe2XxfrZtVwH88Rumt-ittr4xlqenOKLGeFn9Oly27pZyTZYxl9fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Caroline","date","2025-03-26T00:00:00Z","article","Caroline County staff told the board the county commissioners decided to raise the liquor-board application fee from $175 to $500 effective July 1 to better align administrative costs with staff time and advertising expenses. Staff said the higher fee mirrors fees charged for similar county permitting processes and is intended to cover increased staff time involved in reviewing applications and preparing legal notices.

Board staff reported surveying neighboring shore counties and found a mix of application fees; some counties charged comparable fees while others were higher. Staff cautioned that changes to annual license fees (the recurring license fees set in state code) would require legislative action at the General Assembly; the board discussed preparing research and potential proposals but acknowledged political and lobbying hurdles.

Separately, inspectors and staff discussed recent underage-compliance checks and coordinated enforcement. The sheriff’s office has received grant funding through the county health department to run compliance checks; board inspectors said coordination with the sheriff’s office limits duplication of inspections and makes better use of limited resources. Board staff and inspectors agreed to seek better communication so the county’s checks and board follow-up inspections do not occur back-to-back, which can cause confusion among license holders.

Ending: The county commissioners’ fee decision will take effect July 1; staff will research comparative license fees and the board and inspectors will pursue improved coordination with the sheriff’s office for future compliance checks.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Caroline - Liquor Board - Mar 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County commissioners agreed to raise the liquor-board application fee to $500 effective July 1; board staff and inspectors discussed coordinating compliance checks with the sheriff’s office to avoid duplicative inspections and to stretch grant-funded enforcement resources.","taxTitle","Caroline County, Maryland","taxId",61674,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623086,"Liquor board amends rule 2.21: approval window extended from 30 to 90 days with one extension",671,2355000,3026000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2777352-aa1fd1eab343e6b256cceb920c671964&start=2355&end=3026","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2777352-aa1fd1eab343e6b256cceb920c671964/thumbnail_2355000.jpg","/articles/6623086/Caroline-County/Maryland/Liquor-board-amends-rule-221-approval-window-extended-from-30-to-90-days-with-one-extension","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623086-c60c8c98c58061941d74b4b8fb8186c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085611&Signature=d5JV0z6CZ6gS7T6-EAp2Hhb3jjlC~WLDfnwHU2z9zs5fZO6-skmezf4~st8rNH4LmKRtBSJcyQIPYgw-YsA5p1pxcwgmx~2vB1LYuTAIe0iAAIRp4eJSXQKI3UfnZnt5sJXfDvnmdoSG01z0vWGGZAC5fKbil0m24w8VztfW1lvjbMYWzHbPsHpD~P6l1-JWUOqkaub3bknAGFQwubLArVqxG0dYN7w2WMhax8rtXlwls8Z8BorMXcfOoYc5CCPIA6ahrbrHMoNyRnsAdb5b~Gj0lqrHvRuuDN1ulVDPHrVStDqQNhV6a5lE2M3mxPBfonixur9WmS19lkoLdmluQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Caroline County Board of License Commissioners voted to amend rule 2.21, changing the time limit for an applicant to complete required steps after board approval from 30 days to 90 days. The amendment allows one additional extension at the board’s discretion if requested at least two weeks before the approval period expires, but the extension cannot extend beyond the license-year renewal deadline (April 30).

Staff explained the change responds to repeated delays by applicants who must complete state-level actions — notably the comptroller’s bulk transfer approval — and to a past legal case in which the board ruled on violations for entities that had been granted approval but never picked up a license. Counsel advised that the board retain flexibility for exceptional, out‑of‑applicant control delays while guarding against indefinite approvals that complicate the renewal and protest processes.

Board members discussed setting a reasonable week-in-advance deadline for extension requests so that the request can be placed on an agenda. The motion put forward specified 90 days with the availability of a single extension if requested at least two weeks before expiration and that any extension cannot push approvals past April 30 of the license year. The motion was moved, seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote.

Ending: Staff will draft the formal amendment language for review and return it to the board for final inclusion in the rule and regulation packet.

","The board amended rule 2.21 to extend the time allowed for applicants to obtain final licensing from 30 days to 90 days, with one possible extension requested at least two weeks prior and not to extend beyond the license year renewal deadline.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623091,"Board approves temporary licenses for Denton Volunteer Fire Company, St. Benedict Church; accepts Red Light Liquors suspension",398,123000,521000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2777352-aa1fd1eab343e6b256cceb920c671964&start=123&end=521","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2777352-aa1fd1eab343e6b256cceb920c671964/thumbnail_123000.jpg","/articles/6623091/Caroline-County/Maryland/Board-approves-temporary-licenses-for-Denton-Volunteer-Fire-Company-St-Benedict-Church-accepts-Red-Light-Liquors-suspension","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623091-47ce2f0bc2d5585c376dbc91ffae2f34/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085611&Signature=blR-h8yj3hmCbKTzm8t6ohYnkicKTf9MvyJ-fjdoIjBfJUklUP5WeKBvWi8NL4r02avtATVWXdnrrnthUuRRq9iwDz2vZydMDAFZCfojgpLpD0VxJmesSB8pqT71AuPMGQlRZSBUKOnknnZqh5LCmgpfYFmKlRNOzTDWsTwDV1LDxiD8wXegyr8m5T5WIMlEQa6P5DratzVz1Qjk3hbA3c6fAMSPGH9~Y3rL51jyu2T3-zVO0ziWGTRkSRrOP0XqKbrRT4fTgxFvMYMrvquIdc5tN32LEij6rTRA8a4204QaUoYG-Ig4K2hq9B8U7olwcYEHWvV00GAOBNd7PKSFDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Caroline County Board of License Commissioners approved a 2025 multi-event license for Denton Volunteer Fire Company and a one-day temporary license for St. Benedict Church’s Bull and Oyster Roast, and acknowledged a three-day suspension for Red Light Liquors.

For Denton Volunteer Fire Company, the board approved a 2025 multiple-event license designating Ronald Weaver as the license holder; the license covers up to 10 events in the calendar year. Staff noted the package included a site plan and Weaver’s alcohol-awareness certification; the board confirmed the usual process requiring event notification at least one week in advance.

The board next approved a one-day temporary license for St. Benedict Church’s fundraiser on April 26, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Anne Henderson is the license holder and the application included a layout for the hall and alcohol-awareness certification. Staff said St. Benedict’s typically obtains at least one temporary event license per year.

The board also reviewed a letter from Red Light Liquors stating the business would be closed March 31–April 2 to serve a three-day suspension and surrender the license for that period. The board approved the dates and the surrender for the three-day suspension.

Ending: The board moved through routine temporary license items and accepted the suspension schedule; staff will document approvals and advise license holders of any follow-up requirements.

","The board approved a 2025 multi-event license for Denton Volunteer Fire Company (up to 10 events) and a one-day fundraiser license for St. Benedict Church. The board also accepted Red Light Liquors' letter informing the board it will close March 31–April 2 to serve a three-day suspension.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623096,"Board grants certificate of permission to Bargain Beverage following license holder’s death",537,596000,1133000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2777352-aa1fd1eab343e6b256cceb920c671964&start=596&end=1133","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2777352-aa1fd1eab343e6b256cceb920c671964/thumbnail_596000.jpg","/articles/6623096/Caroline-County/Maryland/Board-grants-certificate-of-permission-to-Bargain-Beverage-following-license-holders-death","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623096-08b5dc3c172655fbe7c27a0d95180aa3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085612&Signature=LtWgraBOLiJ~Cu7uL98TNaOasD8yiG1A54di3i1zJqGihe-NWmrbGXrsKxgz3HYOuSe5i6z00D~LexfDwOiwwXx0fn7vwozb1LUzsmDhoihB8Sr1X2aydAdpZbCVuV0eSa15SZfHFNSaILVSFKTzshEyl6ep8z~Rkj3518uo3fEPv7HssTRjva6vCcSeTz0P1sPdAcyAOf9BgI09Ta55IKKTAH2SY1wMPpBrtyaf8FU2SOhevYfJNyUh79~nSsRFpxGp654FBRu47mswdvxRCMYq6U1rnRKWXdNoDgkQifzm2V-XtamIZlpQP9hJnzLKJIFIQEIBCzDLh7pd7IoAWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Caroline County Board of License Commissioners granted a certificate of permission for Bargain Beverage to Crosley C. Downs after the death of the license holder, Bruce Hastings. The certificate allows the personal representative to operate the licensed business through the end of the current license year, April 30, 2025.

Staff told the board that state law permits a local board to issue a certificate of permission to a personal representative to continue business operations for the benefit of the deceased license holder’s estate. The board reviewed that the certificate may be granted for a period not to exceed 18 months after the date of the permission, but that the local license year expiration (April 30) can shorten that initial period. If the license expires earlier, the board may issue a renewal on application by the personal representative for a period not exceeding 18 months while a full transfer is completed.

Representatives said the business plans to effect a stock transfer and a formal license transfer as soon as legal paperwork and transfers are finalized; the intent is that Crosley Downs not remain the permanent license holder. Staff advised that if the board grants the certificate of permission now, Downs may sign the renewal application and the board can address the renewal at the April meeting if needed; if the transfer is not complete by then, the renewal could cover the remainder of the needed timeframe, up to 18 months.

Board members asked for the certificate to specifically name Crosley C. Downs; staff agreed to prepare the document. The board moved, seconded and unanimously granted the certificate of permission to Crosley C. Downs for Bargain Beverage until April 30, 2025, and directed staff to prepare renewal paperwork and to draft the certificate.

Ending: Staff will prepare the certificate of permission for Crosley C. Downs and present any renewal application at the April meeting; board members indicated they expect the parties to attempt a transfer in April or May but acknowledged the 18-month statutory buffer if needed.

","Following the death of sole license holder Bruce Hastings, the board granted a certificate of permission for Bargain Beverage to Crosley C. Downs through April 30 and discussed renewal options up to 18 months while the estate and transfer are completed.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623099,"Caroline County liquor board fines Preston Roadhouse $1,000 after underage sale",987,1209000,2196000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2777352-aa1fd1eab343e6b256cceb920c671964&start=1209&end=2196","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2777352-aa1fd1eab343e6b256cceb920c671964/thumbnail_1209000.jpg","/articles/6623099/Caroline-County/Maryland/Caroline-County-liquor-board-fines-Preston-Roadhouse-1000-after-underage-sale","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623099-afc7aa6a09072c4dffc0c467934ed61f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085612&Signature=ZVMm~tz~KkRM~lZWkV1jwBnCIl1l-KHOyzjHqyRkT~MHUlc~doPH8sPyzco7hd9APPW~I9rjrOm7Q5pIa7TZvkPdJ84wbHna8wtty24YR8O1vxs~IW5Px-51h~rkjQ793KUB022PvfOxzHdHByQQ2jBiSIyybpeiJHJgWcC1On1-y8gQz~fN7f9vBmVSZRnDZLZvT9yDy-y5JNMLH-mt9ATSdmNJKLb-olleTNvICHQdzZCR5SqwnZCv0snW044KZefZg3rC2MNQgx0qmUUpGZK0xLfYv-tGc9iDAY4GSEnrG1Uwf3sJbqw1lEs1JEDwSLBnjNnNgmP8CrBno~ttVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Caroline County Board of License Commissioners found Preston Roadhouse guilty of selling alcohol to a person under 21 and assessed a $1,000 fine plus a $50 administrative fee following testimony and evidence from a Nov. 27, 2024, undercover compliance check.

The board's alcoholic beverage inspector presented an incident report stating that on Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 27, 2024, three confidential informants under age 21 entered Preston Roadhouse. One informant used a vertical state-issued driver's license showing she was 19 and was served a glass of rosé wine. The inspector said the server, identified as Ava Short, had poured the drink and that the manager on duty, Julie North, told the inspector she believed Short “knew what she was doing.” The inspector photographed the bottle and the marked currency used in the operation and submitted those photos as evidence.

Licensee Ian Fleming told the board the account was accurate. “The occurrence is correct. As an experienced licensee, we take our responsibilities in this and all other regulatory areas very seriously,” Fleming said, adding that the establishment terminated the employee the night of the incident and disciplined the manager.

Board members described the offense as a major violation of Annotated Code of Maryland, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article §6-304 and Caroline County rule 2.26. During deliberations commissioners noted that Preston Roadhouse had no prior violations on record, had corrected the conduct immediately and had TIP (alcohol-awareness) certifications among staff, but that the violation still merited a penalty.

The board voted to find Preston Roadhouse in violation and then voted to assess a $1,000 fine plus a $50 administrative fee. The board administrator will prepare a written decision; commissioners said the licensee will receive instructions on payment and that the decision will be ready after the board signs it, typically within 30 days.

The board also discussed evidence and staffing: the inspector said photographs and a written statement from the confidential informant were submitted. Fleming emphasized that alcohol sales represent a small portion of his business and said the termination and additional staff training were intended to prevent recurrence.

The fine and written decision close the case at the board level; any additional appeals or enforcement steps were not stated in the hearing record.

Ending: The board entered its findings and penalty on the record and instructed staff to prepare the written decision and payment instructions for Preston Roadhouse.

","The Caroline County Board of License Commissioners found Preston Roadhouse in violation of state law after an undercover compliance check on Nov. 27, 2024, and assessed a $1,000 fine plus a $50 administrative fee.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County to raise liquor application fee to $500; inspectors seek better coordination with sheriff on compliance checks

Liquor board amends rule 2.21: approval window extended from 30 to 90 days with one extension

Board approves temporary licenses for Denton Volunteer Fire Company, St. Benedict Church; accepts Red Light Liquors suspension

Board grants certificate of permission to Bargain Beverage following license holder’s death

Caroline County liquor board fines Preston Roadhouse $1,000 after underage sale