An unnamed staff member told an inquirer that becoming a permanent event license holder in Caroline County means the venue can no longer allow patrons to bring their own alcohol, the meeting transcript shows.

The staff member advised the inquirer — who the transcript links to a referenced name, Sally Carlson — that "you can no longer allow patrons to bring alcohol. That's no different than the restaurants cannot do that." The staff member said that rule would apply to a permanent license holder whether the venue operates as a restaurant, club or tavern.

The staff member also suggested practical steps for the person considering the license: reach out to past clients who held receptions at the venue and ask whether they would have used a provided bar service instead of bringing their own alcohol. "You may find that some couples would rather not have the hassle of bringing the alcohol, cleaning up and all of that," the staff member said, adding that the venue could provide bar service for a fee.

The transcript does not record any formal vote, ordinance, or other official action on the license; the exchange is a staff-level explanation and advice about licensing options. The record likewise does not specify the precise name or statutory basis of the referenced "new identity license," any fee amounts, or whether any formal policy change was being proposed.

The staff member closed by telling the inquirer to weigh those considerations "before you make your decision on whether you wanna move forward with applying for a license."