College Park Council considers Sunday liquor sales waiver for Samosas and Spirits restaurant

A proposal to waive a $50,000 investment requirement for a new liquor store in College Park sparked significant discussion during the City Council meeting on July 8, 2025. The store, known as Samosas and Spirits, has been open for just two months and is seeking the waiver to enhance its operations, particularly on Sundays.

Council members expressed mixed feelings about the request. Some highlighted the store's unique combination of food and drink offerings, emphasizing its potential to enrich the local business landscape. Council member Rigg noted the importance of supporting small, minority-owned businesses, stating, "This is the type of small business that we should be supporting in the city of College Park."

However, concerns were raised regarding the store's impact on the community. Council member Estritz suggested a cautious approach, proposing a six-month trial period to assess the store's influence before granting the waiver. "Let's see how the impact of that store is in that community," she said, reflecting a desire to ensure that the business does not attract negative attention.

The discussion also touched on the store's marketing strategy, with some council members noting that the signage prominently features "wine and spirits," which could mislead potential customers about its primary focus on food. The store's operators acknowledged the confusion and committed to improving their marketing to better highlight their food offerings.

The council ultimately leaned towards supporting the waiver, recognizing the store's potential benefits while remaining mindful of community concerns. The decision reflects a broader commitment to fostering diverse and responsible businesses in College Park, with the council eager to monitor the store's development in the coming months.