The Caroline County Board of License Commissioners granted a certificate of permission for Bargain Beverage to Crosley C. Downs after the death of the license holder, Bruce Hastings. The certificate allows the personal representative to operate the licensed business through the end of the current license year, April 30, 2025.

Staff told the board that state law permits a local board to issue a certificate of permission to a personal representative to continue business operations for the benefit of the deceased license holder’s estate. The board reviewed that the certificate may be granted for a period not to exceed 18 months after the date of the permission, but that the local license year expiration (April 30) can shorten that initial period. If the license expires earlier, the board may issue a renewal on application by the personal representative for a period not exceeding 18 months while a full transfer is completed.

Representatives said the business plans to effect a stock transfer and a formal license transfer as soon as legal paperwork and transfers are finalized; the intent is that Crosley Downs not remain the permanent license holder. Staff advised that if the board grants the certificate of permission now, Downs may sign the renewal application and the board can address the renewal at the April meeting if needed; if the transfer is not complete by then, the renewal could cover the remainder of the needed timeframe, up to 18 months.

Board members asked for the certificate to specifically name Crosley C. Downs; staff agreed to prepare the document. The board moved, seconded and unanimously granted the certificate of permission to Crosley C. Downs for Bargain Beverage until April 30, 2025, and directed staff to prepare renewal paperwork and to draft the certificate.

Ending: Staff will prepare the certificate of permission for Crosley C. Downs and present any renewal application at the April meeting; board members indicated they expect the parties to attempt a transfer in April or May but acknowledged the 18-month statutory buffer if needed.