The Board of License Commissioners for Caroline County convened on May 28, 2025, to address a series of compliance issues related to underage alcohol sales. The meeting primarily focused on two establishments: Star Gas and Diesel and Walker's Grocery, both of which faced allegations of selling alcoholic beverages to individuals under the age of 21.

The first case involved Star Gas and Diesel, where a youth was able to purchase a six-pack of Michelob Ultra without being asked for identification. During the meeting, law enforcement officials detailed the incident, confirming that the youth had been instructed to claim that their ID was left in the car. The board learned that the store's employee, Rash Kumar Patel, failed to check the youth's ID, leading to the sale. Following the incident, the store owner was notified, and the Caroline County Health Department was informed of the violation.

In deliberations, the board unanimously found Star Gas and Diesel guilty of the violation. They decided on a penalty of a $1,000 fine, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to alcohol sales regulations, especially given that this was the establishment's first violation.

The second case concerned Walker's Grocery, which also faced allegations of selling alcohol to a minor. The board heard testimony from the store's management, who acknowledged the violation and explained that the employee responsible had been in training and was subsequently terminated. The store had since upgraded its point-of-sale system to ensure that ID checks are prompted for any alcohol sales.

The board found Walker's Grocery guilty of the violation as well, noting that this was their second offense. In light of the circumstances, including the steps taken to improve compliance, the board debated the appropriate penalty. Ultimately, they proposed a $2,500 fine along with a three-day suspension of the store's alcohol license, reflecting the seriousness of the repeated offense while also considering the mitigating factors presented.

Both establishments were reminded of the critical importance of compliance with alcohol sales laws to prevent underage drinking and ensure community safety. The board's decisions underscore their commitment to enforcing regulations while also providing opportunities for improvement and education for license holders.