The Caroline County Board of License Commissioners convened on May 28, 2025, for a show cause hearing regarding alleged violations of alcohol sales regulations. The meeting began with the introduction of participants, including Arthur A. Thornton Junior, who entered his appearance.

The primary focus of the hearing was on Star Gas and Diesel, where two employees, Mr. Pallone and Mr. Patel, were summoned to explain why their alcoholic beverage licenses should not be revoked, suspended, or fined. This action stemmed from an underage compliance check conducted by the Caroline County Sheriff's Office on March 17, which revealed that both employees sold alcoholic beverages to individuals under the age of 21, violating section 6-304 of the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The board reviewed the incident report prepared by the Sheriff's Office, detailing a special alcohol compliance operation. During this operation, a 20-year-old youth, under the supervision of law enforcement, attempted to purchase alcohol at various establishments. The youth was provided with a $50 bill and instructed to inform clerks of their age during the purchase attempts.

As the hearing progressed, the board called upon Detective Beck and Sergeant Hafer to present their accounts of the investigation. The officers detailed the procedures followed during the compliance check and the subsequent findings that led to the summons issued to the employees.

The meeting concluded with the board deliberating on the evidence presented and the potential consequences for the involved parties. Further actions and decisions regarding the licenses of Star Gas and Diesel will be determined in subsequent sessions. The board emphasized the importance of compliance with alcohol regulations to ensure community safety and uphold the law.