Board approves Patuxent Moose Lodge permanent extension to include grassy area behind lodge

The St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board approved a permanent extension of premises on Sept. 14 for Patuxent Moose Lodge No. 2393 to include the grassed area behind the lodge, after lodge representatives explained fencing, gate access and control measures.

Representatives — including Kevin Scott Bean and Mel Schwartz — described the proposed extension as a fenced, controlled space roughly 50 by 50 feet with vehicle and pedestrian access points around the building. The board pressed lodge representatives on how they would control alcohol moving between the licensed building and the proposed outside area; lodge officers said board members and officers would man events and the lodge would use gates and cameras to limit unauthorized access.

Why it matters: The extension allows the lodge to serve and permit consumption of alcohol in an identifiable outside area during events, which board members said requires the same controls the lodge uses indoors. The board noted the Moose’s bylaws restrict sale of take-away alcohol and that the lodge has a long local record with no significant alcohol issues.

Board action: After discussion of access points and staffing for events, a motion to approve Patuxent Moose Lodge 2393’s request to permanently extend Premise 2 to include the highlighted grass area passed by voice vote with no recorded protests. After approval, board staff instructed lodge representatives to bring the current license to the office so staff could perform the license upgrade to reflect the extended premises.

Operational clarifications: Lodge representatives confirmed the grassy area is fenced and that, for events, gate points would be manned. The lodge said its bylaws prohibit members from buying take-away packaged alcohol and that they would maintain control over service and access when serving alcohol outdoors.

Ending: The board thanked lodge representatives for maintaining a good compliance record and approved the extension in the meeting; staff will update the lodge’s license once the current license is brought in for amendment.