Liquor Board Agendas/Minutes/Recordings - Regular Meeting

to order this Monday, July 13th, 2026. Welcome to the Frederick County Liquor Board meeting. Our first item is the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Glass.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible,

of liberty and justice for all.

With the board's consent, I've moved the adoption of the minutes to our staff meeting.

And we will start with application 262629, the Maryland Deaf Community Center.

Please join us up front at this table.

Good morning, everyone. I'm going to turn it over to Director Sugars.

What the board has before them today is a request for a new application for a Class C beer wine and liquor license for the Maryland Deaf Community Center. The open items are retail sales and use, We will need a phone number and an email for the establishment. And their opening date was projected for August 1st, but we'll let them give their projected opening date and talk about that here in a minute. They do have health review. Health has responded back to us to tell us that they have told you about necessary improvements in order to be able to use your kitchen. They will need an additional health review once those necessary improvements are done. Occupancy is still open. Tax release is still open. And the inspector report is open, which I'm going to have the inspector do this report now. Wait.

Oh, you need to square everyone in.

I didn't stop.

I just want to interrupt you.

I'm a

I didn't wave hard enough.

It's early.

Okay, so what I will do is I'm going to start with the interpreter's oath and then we'll swear everyone else in. Will the interpreter please raise your right hand and respond with I will following the oath. In the matter of the application for the Maryland Deaf Community Center, do you solemnly swear and affirm that you will faithfully, accurately, and impartially interpret these proceedings to the best of your ability? If so, state I will, followed by your name.

I will, Harry Zisman.

Thank you. Everyone who is prepared to give testimony to the Board of Licensed Commissioners, please raise your right hand and respond with I will, following the oath. In the matter of the application for the Maryland Death Community Center, do you solemnly declare and affirm under the penalties of perjury... that the testimony you are about to give to the Board of Licensed Commissioners in the matter now pending will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If so, state I will, followed by your name.

Will.

I will. Linda. I will. I will. Marcia. Flowers.

I will. Dawn sugars. I will. Now we can discuss the open.

If I may, you did not.

Did you mention retail sales? Establishment of a phone and email.

Here it goes. Thank you.

It's over to the board.

Oh, OK, you're Chris needs to do is report on the problem. So you're trying. Yes.

On the 23rd of June 2026, I, Christopher Smith, acting in the capacity of liquor inspector for the Frederick County Liquor Board, went to Maryland Deaf Community Center located at 720 North East Street. License inspection was completed at the establishment. The establishment was undergoing construction. The inspection will be required for review to complete it back patio. or there's a public hearing sign that's posted in the window that allows the public to have full view of it in the form with 20-1405.

Okay. We are back up here. Commissioners, any questions?

Madam Chair? Yes. Go right ahead.

So question to confirm the hours of operation?

are 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, no closures?

Well, for now, no.

We're keeping it open.

I would like to add to that. We had ABLE training and alcohol awareness training with an interpreter, and we discussed the hours that it's going to be really flexible because they are a community center. So they just put the most hours versus that because they're not ready to commit to their hours that they want to put forth yet because they don't know what kind of community activity they're going to get. So it is, I know it seems, but it's very open, but they will communicate any hours with us. That's what I wanted to, okay.

Make sure that there's a communication so our inspectors don't show up at a time and it's closed.

Yes. So I would also like to ask, what are the status of the outstanding items? For example, the retail sales, phones, health department, occupancy.

Well, we don't know them anything. Like the phone numbers you need. I thought you have all the information.

Do they have a phone number established for the community site?

Yes.

Andy's going to check. So we'll address that. The sales and use.

Their business manager, Adrian, emailed us this morning. He has an email out to the tax division requesting that sales and use to be completed. Tax release, same.

It'll hold that because we don't have the number.

Yes. So those two go hand in hand. And then occupancy and health. We're going to need to give an update on the health for the kitchen. and they're gonna need to give an update on their occupancy and their construction.

Okay.

We should know about getting the certification of occupancy by the end of this month.

The construction is like 98% complete. So what is your expected opening date?

ribbon cutting and celebration how many people will you have that will be serving alcohol for uh ribbon cutting for the for the center when you serve throughout like once you open

There are eight people that are certified. And they understand the 50% that's required. Okay. We're the community center. So like we like, suppose we have a bingo, a maybe 40 people.

Some days we'll have a big event, let's say, and like, just imagine, like Halloween, let's say, for example, a party, let's say, we would have maybe 200 people. So it wouldn't be everyday thing. It sounds like it wouldn't be a bar situation. It would be events only.

So the people, we at the Liquor Board are concerned about the people who serve that they know the rules, make sure they're carding, et cetera, no service to minors, over-serviced, people too drunk.

And she trained us, Dawn trained us very well. And we plan to review with the servers as well, the trainers review everything with them before we start. Also, we took the test and we all,

that's we just want to make sure from the board because we hold the licensees accountable for the actions of your servers even though they could get a citation you still are ultimately responsible by putting your name on the license making sure you understand

I have one question. This is new and interesting to me, so I have lots of questions. I understand in the Deaf community, the music needs to be loud to feel the volume. That causes me concern because you're in a residential community. How do you plan to deal with that?

Well, for sure, I will let the neighbors know in advance.

Okay, but letting them know is not going to negate the fact that you could be intruding on their life.

Yeah.

I'm not like, like, I am.

No, I'm not.

Okay, and I'll let it stay, yeah. So we will, you know, the policy says we will stop at 10. I feel that as a courtesy to let the neighbors know when we would have a big event, you know, through the night. And so we would stop at 10 for sure. And we don't plan to have music every day. No, we don't. Only when there's an event like a Halloween party she mentioned. That's it. another party, something like that we would have. But not like an everyday thing. Maybe one or two, maybe one or two, one or two a month, perhaps one or two a month.

We always bring this up because we've had hearings where we've had neighborhoods come in and register their complaints. So when I see on your docket that you're open until I think it's 2 a.m. So I understand, yes, please cut it off at 10. Community engagement, getting along with your neighbors, it is a good thing, because it prevents that disgruntled neighborhood coming in to a hearing meeting in the future. Again, that's not necessarily our purview, but we always like to say that to a new licensee that just be cautious. It has been an issue in the past. And the only other additional question that a chair that I have is. Well, you have a mixture of of anyone attending these events that are under 21. That are that are attending at the same time. And if so, like if there are no OK. For a night and party, no.

When we serve alcohol, there will be no people under 21. OK, all right, great. Thank you.

So the community center aspect And then the alcohol time are separate.

Okay. Yeah. Right. Yes. Yes. Okay.

Gotcha.

I would like to add to the entertainment piece of it that I'm going to go a step further because this is unique and reach out to our city partners and make sure is ZBA approval, which is music approval, put it layman's terms really required for this situation. And they would need to know that Monday through Wednesday is 9 p.m. cutoff. Sunday through Wednesday is 9 p.m. cutoff. Thursday, Friday, Saturday could be 10 p.m. I've got to check the Thursday. But I want to flesh that out a little bit more because it is a unique setting for them just being having loud music for events only. And do they really want them to go through what's called the ZBA approval, which is Zoning Board of Appeals.

So I'll flesh that out a little bit further for the board and for them.

Thank you. Thank you and then yeah, thank you, thank you. But most of the time, you know, I don't think that we would ever have the music during Monday, Tuesday. Mostly next Saturday is Friday, Saturday.

The reason I mentioned getting the city input is because I don't want them to sell themselves short and close an event down at 10 PM when they may be permitted in that area.

because they're zoned a business district, that they could potentially go to 1.30 a.m., 2 a.m.

I don't want them to shortchange themselves.

Yeah, we can.

Sure.

Dawn, can you address for them how easy it is to change their hours?

They're aware of that because of the ABLE training to use the liquor board email to adjust any hours. Okay. Yeah.

Anyone else?

I'll close with, and then I'll turn it to public comment. I'll close with thanking you for involving the community around you. I think that is the best way to start out. And once they know you and they know your facility, I think that makes a better situation for everyone.

Do I have any public comment for this application? I see none. We're back up here.

The only thing I didn't ask is, and I will quickly, is why do you feel that the liquor board should offer you a liquor license?

What is your reasoning?

That's a good way to say it.

Well, we took the training, the able training, the group training. We really want to follow the local policies. We really wanted to. We want to have a normal center like any other place. you know, the first time in history of Maryland that deaf people can gather and come together and enjoy themselves and with each other. And we deserve it because we will follow.

Thank you.

And you are welcome to visit us at any time. We're open daily. Oh, we will. Class and senior citizens. Yes, so you can see for yourself.

Let us know when you're going to do your open house for the neighborhood.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, August 21st. Maybe do it beforehand. What do you need to do?

Introduce yourself to the neighborhood, the people around you.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Good idea.

Good idea. So just being a lifelong Frederictonian and looking at the map over here, is this a new build on East Street, new building, or is it a retrofitted building?

It was an old red house. It was a warehouse behind it. And it was abandoned for years and years. And we thought we could renovate it. But, you know, it was just too much money to renovate it. And we were better off to just flatten it and build a new one. It took seven years. It took seven years to find it. And the building had come in seven years. Really?

They drive by it all the time and just hadn't noticed. So thank you for sharing and congratulations.

One last thing I want to clarify. They did ask me in the training about Costco being an approved distributor. They are not an approved distributor. And you guys have asked me too. So I want to make sure that Costco is noted that they are not an approved distributor for Maryland. For alcohol? For alcohol. Okay.

For issues regarding distributors, I strongly encourage you to talk to your Maryland legislative delegation regarding that. That is beyond our purview at the Liquor Board, but it is within your delegates and senators and governor's office that can make a difference there.

And never feel like you can't repeat yourself to them. Sometimes they don't hear it the first time. Sometimes they don't hear it the 12th time. So keep repeating whatever you need and want from our delegation.

John, when's our meeting? When's our legislative meeting? September? September 18th.

September 18th, we're having a meeting. I highly recommend attending.

That's where they would get the $50 credit towards their renewal. We've discussed this. Yeah, I remember that. And those in the audience that are probably intrigued now too, we will be sending out a new splash. How do I save 50 bucks? We're back up here. And we did ask for public comment already.

So worst case scenario, construction doesn't complete the last 2%. What is your, is there any backup plan to that August 21st or is that a, strong date you believe the building will be ready to go with all the health department issues okay yes so madam chair i'm prepared to make a motion please in the event something does go wrong i move the board grant conditional approval to the maryland deaf community center for a class c beer wine and liquor license through September 30, 2026, pending the approval and review of all state, local, and county ordinances, regulations, and laws by the staff.

Second.

Just a moment of discussion.

That doesn't mean you have to wait till September 30th. Anytime you're ready before that, you can pick up your license.

All right. All those in favor?

To clarify, we can't sell things until we get the license.

Correct. But you can get it anytime.

Anytime.

Once all the items are completed.

We're giving them extra time just in case something would go wrong so they don't have to come back again.

If we didn't give you that latitude, you'd have to come back to see us.

So as soon as you're ready, you're good to go.

Ready, meaning when we get the certification of occupants.

Don, I'll give you your hand. You get the sales and use cleared up, the health department cleared up, and the occupancy cleared up, and then the tax release will come once you clear up the sales and use.

communicate that via email in a summary after this hearing are you clear yeah okay we wish you oh wait we got to take a final vote all those in favor please say aye aye aye zero unanimous approval we're very excited for you and welcome to frederick business okay thank you thank you thank you thank you all right i come visit us

We will.

Thank you.

Now we will return to our regular agenda, our regular schedule. Thank you. We will move on to violations, which we normally do first, but because of this unusual case for me, don't get me started. Do you have a packet for that or anything? Violation, Orient, Wine, and Spirits. Please join us up front.

What did I say? Oh, right. Oh, right. And Banyan catching some strays on that last one. I was like, what in the world? I was like, whoa.

Thank you.

Everyone who is prepared to give testimony to the Board of Licensed Commissioners, please raise your right hand and respond with, I will, following the oath. In the matter of the violation hearing for Orion Wine and Spirits, do you solemnly declare and affirm under the penalties of perjury that the testimony you are about to give to the Board of Licensed Commissioners in the matter now pending will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? If so, state I will, followed by your name.

I will, Amanda Schwartz. I will Tom Seymour.

I will sugar still.

Your name.

Guys, I'm very sorry, but I lost my cheat sheet, so I'm going to go on memory.

Do you want this packet?

No, no, no, I got that. It was just my.

She could be. All right, I got it right here. And Jen did.

Very good job.

All right, we're here in the matter of. Orion. Violation on or about. June 25th. Do you wish to admit or deny the violation? Admit admit OK.

Great, Madam Chair. With that admission, I will read the charges into the record of all of the exhibits. The charge is on June 25, 2026, at approximately 3.40 p.m., a miner entered Orion One Spirits. The miner, who was 19 years old at the time, attempted to purchase a white-clawed variety pack. The miner recorded that the clerk did not request to see their identification and proceeded with his sale. Shortly thereafter, a Frederick County Liquor Board inspector entered the establishment and cited the clerk, later identified as Roland Savane for that violation. We will enter Exhibit A as notice of violation dated 6-26. Exhibit B will be the incident report dated 6-25-26. With the admission, we will move into the finding of fact.

Board is ready.

Oh, yeah. Based on the testimony provided, either written or verbal, and the plea, does the board find that the licensee violated section 6-304 and 6-309 of the alcoholic beverage and cannabis article and section 1.1 and 7.12 of the Frederick County alcoholic beverage regulations? when the licensee or one of its employees sold, provided, and allowed a minor to possess an alcoholic beverage.

Yes.

Yes.

With the final effect, we will now go over the history of the license. Yeah. With that being passed out of the license was issued.

Two twenty on twenty sixteen to a commie to go for them. That's that up there. Three eighteen twenty nine. It's been rolling was added surveying and then six twenty six twenty twenty six. Amanda Schwartz was added. There were no ownership changes over the years.

since the 2016. Tom became very proactive when this occurred. I'm just going to throw a little bit of this in there of what we discussed and things like that and said, hey, you know, he decided to terminate Mr. Sabane and add someone else onto the license.

So who you have before you today is not who committed the actual sales to minor, but Tom as the owner is here representing and Amanda is on the license at this time. So I just want to put that out there so that anybody has awareness. We do have a February 12th, 2018 sales to minor guilty $500 fine. May 28th, 2025 tasting bottles, not labeled warning. And then today's we are awaiting adjudication obviously of this sales to minor. I will make a staff recommendation as we always do when we do in these cases. And then you guys can have those conversations with the licensee and the board. These recommendations are standard across the board. They're the precedent that we're trying to establish that keeps consistency on any types of sales to minors for any infractions, actually.

I will put out there that the license holder had a sales to minor in 2018. They are not under any probation or deferred. It's been eight years since their last sales to minor. We do have on record that there was a did not sell in 2022.

The establishment was not checked in the last few rounds as our new program started in 2023. And with staffing changes, they did not get in that cycle, so they were just checked again from 2022 to now. So there was a gap in the inspections and checks there. I say inspections, but I mean compliance checks. So the new violation, due to this being the first sales to minor since 2018, we are going to ask that the fine is $1,500, the administrative fee is $250, mandatory training for violation prevention, That class fee is $200. The class schedule that we would offer is September 17th and October 8th. And the completion of that class for violation prevention is going to be by October 8th. We ask that they register within the first seven days of this hearing, be put on probation for two years.

Any new violation that would occur, there will be a one week suspension that will be held in abeyance with no buyback option during that probationary period. And these are just all staff recommendations that work and go from there.

You have any questions before I go to the turn it over to you guys.

Unfortunately, just to give you a little bit of history back in I think it was the end of 2017 is what I had in mind. I think it was in late November, possibly mid-December 2017. I guess our hearing date was in February 2018. That was the same guy. It was Roland. He's worked for us for 14 years. It was a heartbreaker to obviously terminate him, but, you know, the second time his violation he's from. Once again, these are absolutely not excuses. I just wanted to provide some context. He's Straight from Paris, France, where I think you can drink when you're the height of the table. Yeah. And he's extremely sorry. We sent him home. I mean, Mandy has her notes right here, but sent him home immediately. Did not let him back in the building until we had Mandy transferred onto the license. And then unfortunately, once that happened, we did have to part ways with him. We are, because he's at the end of this year, going to be with us 15 years later. having a retirement tasting. He will not be touching any bottles. He will just be present at the tasting. He will not be in any way behind any counters or in any employee capacity whatsoever. But you have to realize he moved into the very first house in the Urbana villages. He is the mascot of Urbana. So should we have probably terminated him after the first one? Yes. Would that have caused pitchforks at my door? 100%. Now it is a very logical and very public, okay, Roland is now riding off into the sunset into retirement. You know, he had a very career. He's a double doctorate, chemical and microbiology. He was on the team that discovered Ebola in the 70s. So this is a very logical step for him. And hopefully... won't affect us too much because Mandy is definitely locking us down. I know she has some big plans on there's a whole long term corrective action section in her bullet points right here. Do you want to go over that?

So this is what we have for long term. So both our general manager and our assistant general manager are enrolled for their alcohol awareness training renewal. Our point of sale offers an upgrade. We use bottles. with an ID scanning upgrade on which we have requested more information. We have hung posters that say employees are required to card all customers who appear under 40. They are located in the employee bathroom and all of our staff discussion boards. As a condition of employment, staff must sign a promissory statement affirming their duty and diligence in preventing the sale of age-restricted products to minors. All staff will be made to sign this again. So here is an example of the information that we have for employees as far as not selling to minors. And then here is our commissary statement affirming their duty and diligence here that we will have them all sign again.

If you guys would like to see that, we can pass it around. The person selling it to receive a citation.

Signs be exactly who is on the license right this minute.

Just you. Yes, ma'am.

Just got transferred the morning after Roland made the violation.

And that's perfectly fine. I just the way I heard it was there were more than one person on the license because it's just you. Yes, ma'am. Now, will you be there day to day?

What does my schedule look like coming up, Tom? We talked about that before. I live right there. I live right across the street. So I'm in there almost daily.

I would say at least three days a week. Yeah.

Yeah.

So it's not, I'm not even asking if you're going to work eight hours a day. Basically, you're going to be active within the business and be there and see what's going on.

Absolutely.

And how many employees do you have currently working there?

Let's say we have five.

Not including myself. And out of the five, how many are alcohol service? Are they all trained?

Yes, ma'am.

And all of their trainings are up to date or recent. Have you ever done a violent violation prevention class? I know we didn't have it back in 2018. Yeah, they have not. I don't think so. So what it is, it's a class that's developed to really go, it's not like the ABLE training does kind of everything you need to know about a liquor license, whereas the violation prevention really focuses on on IDs, identification, working through difficult customers who might not want to give you their ID, et cetera, or digital ID, et cetera. So it's something that Dawn has created. It's a really good class to really deep dive in. So I know you heard that in the recommendation. So that's what that class is. So besides what you've done with the education and the different pieces, What is it that like on that daily basis or weekly basis with your team? Because training once a year, well, it's great. That's the day to day. Like, what are you doing to encourage those? Are you doing a mystery shopper where you're kind of having people come in and test the system? Don't let us be the first to test it. Make sure you're testing your own employees. Because if it's us, we have to cite you or cite the server. And then you're on board and more of these go. There are some very stiff penalties for repeat offenders. So, and potentially loss of license. So please share with the board other things that you're doing in that regard.

I mean, other than hammering it in, brainwashing our staff, I think the secret shopper's idea is a great one. I didn't even think of that.

Yeah. I didn't know we really could do that.

Yeah. We can send in some tennis coach. We'd send in some of my young guys to test the system.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Everyone does that a lot just to yourself. And so you get a lot of folks that are used to going into a moco and back. So I think it's just one of the things. You're the license holder. You can do whatever you want. This is your business. This is your livelihood. And so we encourage that for not just you, but the others in the room. Don't let us be the first. Because you want to know that your employees, if you're only as good as your weakest link. And so, and it's unfortunate and people have bad days. They get busy. We understand. But at the same time, we're very vigilant about, you know, making sure, you know, the service to minors. And then on the other side, making sure you're not serving someone who has already been served somewhere and you're coming in to buy more liquor, you know, and they get behind a double car.

So I worked at Surf House. I managed Surf House before we sold it for seven years. I was the front of house. I was the only bartender through COVID. And during my time there, we never sold to minors. So what I use there, I'll take to Orion. And like I said, anything, anyone that looks under, for me, I carded everybody. Because I'm terrible at knowing ages. I have a 19-year-old daughter. Some of her friends look older than I do. So I card everybody. Unless I know them and I know how old they are and they've been repeat customers, I card every single person that comes through.

So then I'll beg to your sign. Because it is hard to gauge the age. You may want to set the policy. You card everybody. That was my policy at Surf House.

So yeah, actually, a grandma, grandpa person.

That's exactly how I say in the class. That's exactly how I say in the class.

Because threshold ages, I just don't, I'm not a fan of them. Yes, they do tend to have a problem.

I agree. And so you might want to think about that policy. We can't tell you what to do. It is your business. But you've got one sale in the minor in 2018. You've got a second one now. So we do have rules that if you get two offenses within two years, it's a mandatory suspension. Not an optional hold in abeyance. It's a mandatory. And given that you are a beer, wine, and liquor store, I'm assuming that is your sales. That is your income if that would get pulled. So just making sure the gravity of the situation is understood.

Better safe than sorry. Yeah, I'm definitely okay with checking everyone's ID.

I think with this new software, there should be a thing where it requires us to check the ID to make the sale.

Yeah.

That would be really cool.

Yeah, I would be totally fine with that. Some of the technology now won't allow the sale without the ID being present. Like I know at certain stores, I have to give them my ID and it has to have the ID. So there is technology that's trying to catch up. But again, you know, making sure that they're also doing the carding part, which is the violation prevention class, really looking at the ID. Is that the same person standing in front of you that's pictured there? Because you have a lot of, you know, where there's a will, there's a way. Young kids will try to take siblings IDs, other things. So, you know, you just got to be always vigilant. So I agree.

And just like Debbie said, they need to know how to do both to physically look at it. Like technology is taking our young people to it. Point where they don't even think for themselves. I think I'm think. And I know the situation with the two of you, but bottom line is your employees need to know they could cause you to lose your business. You know, they need to know one, they're going to get cited. And two, they could cause you to lose your business. And I don't think I want to cross a Snyder.

Sorry, we have a little. We're good. It's been recording. We're good. I just want to make sure.

Do you have any other questions for them? Do you have anything else you want to share with us? And I, for one, recommend exactly what Debbie said about don't put an age limit on it because they're going to think that one of the things that irritates the life out of me is when somebody comes in here and goes, well, I thought they were old enough. Well, I don't care what you think that. The fact that you put someone out on the road, underage, inexperienced driver to begin with, because they haven't been driving that long, and you're going to jeopardize a youth's life plus whomever they encounter. There's no worse thing.

I agree.

Dawn, you have anything else you want to share with us? Ma'am. Okay. Inspectors, anything you want to share? All right, we're back up here. Madam Chair, may I ask one more question? You can ask it.

So obviously you heard the board's recommendations. I ask, you know, do you have anything in final comments before we make our motion?

Can I hear the penalties one more time? I heard a $1,500 penalty, a $250 admin fee, a $200 clinic fee.

Yes. So it's a fine of $1,500. That's increased due to the second offense, obviously. the $250 administrative fee, and then the class fee is $200. And that covers everyone. It's not per person. So the $200 fee for violation prevention, you can send as many people as you want throughout the year even that you would want to attend. It's a one-time fee for that. So it would be $1,500, $250, $200. And then the probation was for two years with one week suspension in there, but it's held in abeyance. And the board can choose buyback option, no buyback option. If there's a third offense under this license, that's where that one week suspension would come into play.

And I'm in your place all the time. So I think we've actually spoken a few times. I drop by all the time. So sorry to see this happen. And I know it looks like you're taking it very serious. And I mean, you have to deal with with the students coming in from Urbana as well, I'm sure all the time.

So, yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah. That was very surprised. The one did not sell to a minor. I probably have 10 emails that I, Hey, you passed the test.

Yeah. Yeah. You, you've, you've got, that was tobacco for 2023.

Okay. When it was the sheriff that ran it. Okay. Yes.

And I'm sorry that to see this happen to, to Roland, but again, yeah, he was,

beside himself when like he he didn't even want to come back for his little retirement tasting yeah i'm so embarrassed yeah so maybe when you have the retirement and it probably might be too much for him maybe he can warn the next generation what can happen it's that's your call okay we are back up here so madam chair i'm prepared to make a motion

And I, you know, I do concur with parts of the recommendation. So I move that the board fine Orion Wine and Spirits $1,500 for the second sale to minor with the $250 administrative fee. Recommend mandatory violation prevention class for all those involved in the service of alcohol and licensee. To be completed by 10 eight with the first class being September 17th, the second class being October 8th. You don't have to do it all at one time with requirement of in one week and seven days you have to be registered for one of the two classes. I recommend that the board include a probation period, a probationary period of two years. And that one week Suspension which will be held in abeyance. And that the board would decide at a future time if there is a third offense with regard to that suspension and potential buyback.

OK.

I second that.

And Debbie, let me ask you a question in that last part. The two year probation with one week in advance. God forbid they have a third one. We could actually do. And maybe Jen should answer this. We could do our own recommendation and then this would be an add-on, correct?

Well, that's why I think it has to come before the board and I don't want to limit a future board. Thank you. From something because, you know, the board could change dynamics in the next two years.

And if I could speak and clarify, because it can get a little confusing procedurally to understand how a former violation can impact a future violation, but they really exist separately from one another. So if there were a third violation and the suspension doesn't go into effect automatically, then they would be adjudicated on the third violation, and that could have its own penalties. It could be fine. It could be a fine and a suspension. It could be a suspension. It could be a revocation. It could be, you know, the entire scope of potential ramifications would be available to that board to consider on that violation. On this violation, if there is a violation during the probationary period, then the board would be limited to imposing what is suspended, or we use held in abeyance because suspending a suspension gets confusing. The board would be limited to considering what is being held in abeyance on this probation, which is a one-week suspension.

So my goal in that motion was that it allows potentially for a buyback period at that time or reduced. It could be three days versus that with a buyback period. Yeah, so it just doesn't stop it. There would be a mandatory suspension. Just what that suspension looks like would be subject to pending with that third charge would potentially look like it buyback or no.

It's as simple as that.

So then the third with the option of a buyback to clarify that perfectly. I just wanted to make sure that they we weren't held. held by that. Okay. Anything else you want to add? All right. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. 3-0. We really put you through the ringer as far as what could happen. I think you took it all to heart. And Orion will be back unless you want something new.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you.

Tom and Amanda, we will send a summary email with a payment link because we'll be in here for a little while. So we'll send that out to you guys. Thank you, John.

Thank you. Best of luck, guys.

Can we sign up for the class on the website?

The violation prevention.

Thank you all.

Thank you. Thank you, guys.

of our violation right we are moving on to new applications application 262609 is that correct please join us up here up front

You have to. Okay.

You want to swear everyone in?

All right. Everyone who's prepared to give testimony to the Board of Licensed Commissioners, please raise your right hand and respond with I will following the oath. In the matter of new application for Yenya Bet-Begeb, Do you solemnly declare and affirm under the penalties of perjury that the testimony you are about to give to the Board of Licensed Commissioners in the matter now pending will be the whole truth and nothing but the truth? If so, state I will, followed by your name. I will.

I will.

board has before them today is a request for an approval of a new application for a class b licensed beer and wine only what madam chair is about to pass down to you guys is the thresholds that are required for each type of licensing because we've noticed in some previous hearings if you guys don't have those thresholds in front of you understanding a food element is required seating requirement whatever is required in that type of license we want to make sure that the board has before them So the open items we have was alcohol awareness, but they did complete that this weekend, so that can be checked off. I was there and present and taught that. Retail sales and use, the updated address change, and your opening date. What were you guys planning for your opening date?

We actually had our SOFT opening on July the 10th, this past Saturday. So we're still in our SOFT opening phase, just working out the kinks with the technology and our staffing. We haven't come up with an official grand opening where we would actually introduce our normal hours. So I think we'll continue our soft opening for another week just to get a feel from the community and train our employees, you know, with the demands that's coming through the doors. Gotcha. So you're not selling alcohol during? No, no, we're not.

And obviously there's two open items, the zoning and the occupancy area. And then we have the inspector's report. I'm going to come back to the zoning and occupancy here in a minute. I'm going to let Mr. Harrison give us his inspector report or whoever has that. Yes.

On June 24th, 2026, I performed a new license inspection at Yenia Bet Maje, located at 911 Northeast Street. During my inspection, I met with the applicant who was applying for a Class B verified license. The establishment was not open and operating at the time of my inspection. The projected opening date was July 10th, 2026. The notice of the hearing zone was posted on the front window of the establishment on June 24th, 2026, in accordance with Section 20-1405. No re-inspection will be required before the license can be issued.

Thank you, Inspector Harrison. The zoning and occupancy, did you guys get your occupancy permit for your soft opening?

Yes, we did.

We did. Okay. Was it a temporary? Was it a TCO? Or how did they, or is it a permanent? It's permanent. Okay. You got that from the city? Yes. Okay. So we'll follow up with that. They're not always great about following back around with us once they issue it. So that's why we still have it as an open item. So we'll follow back up with them on that. So I just wanted to close the gap on that. I'll turn that back, turn it over to the board.

Okay. Any questions? So to Dawn, if I'm understanding that. Because the zoning and occupancy kind of go together. Yes. So if it's been issued, then all of the outstanding items have been completed once you get verification of that.

Yes. And the sales and use address change as long as the entity is the same or good, which it is. We just need an address update, which we work with the state on that stuff all the time.

Okay.

You have your certification, correct? As Dawn was just saying. Yes. Go ahead and give her a copy. Sure.

So Madam Chairman, yes. Okay, they asked questions. Are you going to have them speak first?

It's your pleasure. If you have questions, ask.

So a couple quick questions. So how many employees do you plan on having at the location?

We think we need two more, mainly at the back. We have two service right now. And then we have a line cook and a food prep helper. So we need to add another person that helps with the serving, the buffets and everything for us. And we need additional help with the prepping as well.

Okay, so two right now are involved in the service of alcohol? Correct. And have both of those been trained? Yes. Okay. And question for you on, you know, I just have a question. The name of the restaurant, is there something significant with the name?

Yes, it means food from our home. It's an Ethiopian restaurant with Ethiopian cuisine. And 80, actually 90% of the menu is strictly vegan. It's plant-based. We just introduced some meat options, beef and chicken. So it's food that I grew up eating that my mom taught me. So it's recipes from Ethiopia.

And this is looking at the address. Is this in the same shopping center where like Oscars, the escape room is on East Street? It's right across the street. Across the street over. OK, gotcha.

OK, just old jerk and jive. Yes. And that.

area okay yeah spinners jerk and jive yeah okay gotcha just trying to get a visual on the location um and then it noticed that this is the first time you've been involved in opening a restaurant or service of alcohol works so um You know, obviously you've seen through our violations, you know, we're very serious about our compliance. So what types of things are you doing to help train on a daily basis your staff and staff meetings? Can you talk about your business operations with the board? And then, of course, I know Madam Chair will probably ask this, you know, why you chose to do this and why you would like a liquor license for this location.

Absolutely. So just based off of the hearing with the violations, I think, Morning hurdles or daily meetings, touch up meetings with the team will be very necessary. You know, giving them those reminders to do the carding, to apply what they have learned in their training. And I think what I also got was very useful was to have those posters around, even though it's not a requirement, reminding the staff of the precautions that are supposed to be taken when it comes to serving alcohol and why not. I'm sorry, what was the other part of your question?

You know, I know you mentioned a little bit about why you're bringing in Ethiopia, but why you would want a liquor license and why the board should grant a license. Absolutely.

So I think for some of the cuisine, some of the entrees would pair perfectly with, we want to introduce Ethiopian wine. So we had some questions in regards to distributors. So we have Ethiopian beer and Ethiopian wine. And the response from the community so far has been amazing. We have had to close... two hours early because we've run out of food and people have been super excited. So adding that to the community and just talking about diversity and learning about different cultures and just having a wonderful place where we have vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters getting and sharing, I think has been amazing. So I think it's a great place for the community to get together, learn about different cultures because we have different people from not only within Frederick, from different parts of the country's, getting together at our restaurant. So I think that's a great thing for the community to see.

If I may, the first question that you raised about the violation, it's a very serious issue that I take it very personal. At the same time, I have four kids. One of the things that I learned the past 15 years, I've been in major retails, and then we follow a lot of policy and guidelines, the states and the federal laws. That will keep us everything in our toes where we have to follow on a daily basis. It's not something that you talk about it when it's a meeting. This is about you live with it and you understand. These are keywords that I always tell them. You check, but you verify. And you have to verify. It depends if somebody showed an ID. It doesn't mean that you already accept what it says. You have to verify exactly what the date, what the date of birth and all of that. Don told us in a class is very and I can look like I'm 18 years old, but I might be 43 or 43 might look like at 17 or 18. So it's very, it's very hard. So we are extremely aware and I'm very involved in that aspect of the policy and procedure. I might not be a cook. That's for her. But when it comes to the management part, I'm very aware. And then I learned a lot today too. So.

And because we hold the licensees accountable, you know, and this is your business, this is your livelihood. We want to just make sure that you're doing the best practices. And also one of the other things, you know, having been young server once in my lifetime, you know, having a policy to if that server's in doubt. Have a policy of what do they do? Who do they take that license to? If they feel like they don't or someone doesn't have a license on them and they're getting pressured by a customer, because customers will do that. So just making sure that you have a backup system to support the staff as well. It's just something that helps that they clearly know that you're going to have their back if they question something. And I know it's a balance between customer service and and, and, um, you know, following the rule of the law, but we hold the licensees, you know, making sure they're, they're okay with that. Um, it's just, you know, I've seen a lot in the downtown businesses and Frederick, for some reason, they do get a little bit more and people be like, I'm a regular and, you know, just getting them used to like, I'm sorry, I still have to, you know, or, you know, bring someone else in and have that policy in place.

And it is what, um, Commissioner Burrell said it is good policy for the employee to be able to say, I'm so sorry, but this is our company policy and I don't have any latitude in it.

Okay. Giving them the help that they need so they don't feel like they're under the gun. It happens. And so we know it happens and we just always encourage our licensees to be working with staff. I have no further questions.

Commissioner Glass.

No question.

As far as licensees go, and I see you're both on the license. Forgive me, I am not even going to try and pronounce your name because I'll do it wrong and I don't want to offend. 100% ownership. And then the other licensee is 0%. I just want you to understand that 0% doesn't mean 0% responsibility. It means you are. Here it says 100 and 0. Violation-wise, it's 50-50. You're both held responsible. All right, then share with us anything you want to share with us as to why we should do this, approve it.

I think the community definitely will certainly have a better experience. It's not just the alcohol. It's about pairing food and wine or food and beer. And the biggest part we really are looking forward to hopefully getting granted this license is an introduction to a different part of beer from Africa. I mean, we have beer from Belgium. We have beer from England and American beer. But I think African beer is something that's interesting. The community is willing to try. They've been very open-minded, which I've really appreciated about also being a citizen in Frederick, but just the welcome, the response. I think Frederick is hungry and eager for something new, something fresh. And I think the timing is right. And I think it'll just bring an elevation only, not only about awareness, but just about the broader general of the world. So it's more than just food and entertainment. It's also knowledge and bringing people together.

So you are physically open right now with your soft opening. Yes. So is there any problems as far as a conditional start date? Do you have anything else you need to satisfy?

No, it's just the... Occupancy that hasn't been, that you haven't received, which I have. Yes.

Yeah. Which will reach out to.

Anything else. Satisfied with the health department and other. Compliance reason. We're fine. The only challenge that we're having is staffing. We just didn't expect so much people to be as interested. And we haven't, we were not prepared for the response that we got. So it's a matter of keeping up with demand so we can open our hours longer. Cause we had. We were willing to, we wanted to open from 11 to 7, but we now have to open later so we could cook in the morning and have food available for dinner. So it's just the nuances of how we can, you know, have some availability for the customers coming in.

What a great problem.

It is a great problem.

We sat through COVID up here and it's a struggle. So to hear that as a problem, that's a great problem. You have more demand than you have supply. That's fantastic.

Those were very painful when... You turned away people. You turned away people. It was... That was tough. A humbling experience. Yeah, yeah.

Yeah.

Very, very... And then they drove all the way there to us, and then all of a sudden you share with them that experience. It was... Incredible.

So we have people coming from Gaithersburg and Germantown. Yeah. Silver Spring, and I think D.C. at the Mecca for when it comes to diversity in terms of Ethiopian food. They have a lot of restaurants. But for the other folks... They came all this way because they saw some, you know, the social media just went crazy. And it's not just keeping up with that supply and turning away customers was heartbreaking. But, you know, I'd rather not. It's not.

Certificates. We'll give you a free this or whatever. Yeah. I mean, that'll bring them back.

We have to try and be creative and. And maybe tell that story on your social media. Yeah. Yeah. Give them. Call me first. Exactly.

Exactly.

But having a conversation one-on-one by the door or you tell them that, that's a very, I don't know, I don't have any words. You cannot even respond when you say no because I came for you and I shouldn't be welcoming them, not telling them we don't have food.

Well, and that brings up another thing. You do understand how to reach the liquor board if you do have to close early. We're going to assume you're not going to have to close early anymore. But just in case, reach the liquor board or if you open later, it's just a matter of letting us know so that the gentlemen don't waste their time coming by to do an inspection or something. Anything else from you? 30 days, 30 to 45.

I can get it from here, but I would put at least 30. Okay.

Do we have any public comments on this case? No, thanks. Okay, we're up here for motion, discussion, whatever your pleasure is. Madam Chair, I'm prepared to make a motion. Okay.

I move that the board grant conditional approval through August 31st, 2026, pending the receipt of the permanent occupancy permit to the board staff and verification that any other potential outstanding items are met in compliance with all state, local, county ordinances, laws, and regulations.

Second.

Okay, any further discussion on that motion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Aye. Unanimous approval. We welcome you to Frederick County, and I hope you do wonderfully well. Thank you.

Thank you.

And we'll be by.

Oh, thank you.

We'd love to see you. Thank you.

Okay, our next case, Thurmont Lux Nails.

Please join us up front. Have a seat.

hi guys how are you today how are you you want to swear us in yes ma'am everyone who is prepared to give testimony to the board of licensed commissioners please raise your right hand and respond with i will following the oath in the matter of the new application for thermont lux nails do you solemnly declare and affirm under the penalties of perjury that the testimony you were about to give to the board of licensed commissioners in the matter now pending will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If so, state I will, followed by your name. And Jane.

A little louder, please. And then, and Jane. I will, Jane. Thank you.

I will, Tia. I will, Christopher Smith. I will, Dawn Triggers. Okay, Dawn, we'll turn it over to you.

What the board has before them today is a new application for a class O which is a different type of licensing for a beauty salon for Thermont Lux Nails for beer and wine only. We did receive the open items, the retail sales and use. We received it this morning. So that will trigger the tax release. So we have to send out for that. So just keep that in mind. The only other open item for this would be the inspector report, which I will have Mr. Smith-Reed.

1326. I personally acting in the capacity of the Frederick County. Let's know today. A new license inspections, you know, the establishment establishments are you open and operating? No respect will be required for the license to be issued. And those are posted off the public to have a full view of it in accordance with 20 dash 14.

Thank you, Chris.

This licensee has never held a license before, and we have done some training with Ms. Ahn because this is just to bring to the board's attention. It is beer and wine only for a beauty salon with a service, and she will be probably attending our legislative hearing the 18th because she would like to request that the salons go up to liquor, which would obviously still be limited, but we just had some other counties put that into play, just sharing that knowledge there. But so she's very clear, it's beer and wine only for now. I just want to make sure that that's out there. She can do mocktails, no alcohol in those, but she will be requesting legislation to upgrade that licensing.

That's important that you show up and talk to the legislature. I was actually in Annapolis during the initial beer and wine offerings. It's not an easy passage. So- Just know that you're going in and you've got to be firm with your voice. And if you've got others that will come with you. And that date is, Dawn?

September 18th will be just our, that'll be our hearing forum where we just listen to everyone's ideas and then putting those into action. We'll take the next steps from there. But I told her we would work closely with her because there is a language barrier somewhat. So we would work closely with her to make sure that we could have those communication tools available.

Excellent. and bring as many people that are inclined towards what you want with you as possible. Okay, so who's actually on the license? The one on the license, okay.

And Kelly? Kelly, not him.

Not him. Okay, gotcha. Okay, any questions of him?

So how many folks will be involved in the service of alcohol? Like, will it be your nail techs, all of them, or just certain people? How do you have that set up for your business?

We have six people working now, and at least 50% they come like able, training license, alcohol. I'm always there, and the people who have licensed, we will be always there.

Okay, four techs that are trained, including you, that just came to a class last Wednesday. She understands that serving-wise, it needs to be 50% who's in the service of alcohol. So not every technician, if you've got 10 technicians, not everyone can go grab the alcohol. We've definitely able, you know, we made sure things were very clear of understanding what it's like to hold a license for a beauty salon.

So I've seen some salons where they just have one person or two people that go and offer to the patrons. Have you thought about how you're going to offer that to your patrons? Like, could you share with the board how you plan to?

Yeah, I understand that.

How will you do it? How will you do it? Like each business is different. Like, have you thought about like how you plan to? Or is it just something that you have posted that you have this available? Like how will you communicate with your customer base on it?

So when someone comes in for a service, who is going to serve them the alcohol? Is it going to be one person that's walking around asking them would they like something to drink? Or is it going to be each technician that's doing their service asking them? Who is serving? I think me and one more. You're going to limit it. Okay. That's what we discussed, but I wanted her to be able to explain that. That's why she was looking. He's here to help interpret some.

Gotcha. That's what most other salons do. They have like one person that offers or two people, but not the actual nail techs or the different ones doing the service. So it's something that's an experience that some, but it's controlled in a sense of that. Not everybody's just offering it up. So just making sure it helps you as the owner know who's getting alcohol and, and who is not, you know, just, It's harder in a salon a little bit and different because you don't know who is going to have and then making sure, especially that they're carding to make sure your patrons are of age.

Kind of hard to card and have them pull out their ID when their nails are wet. Right.

Yeah. There's challenges that you don't have like in a restaurant.

You have two persons always do it. Me and one more person do it. have the completely able-training alcohol license do it. Okay.

And then, did you want to ask why we should? You go right ahead. So just if you could share why the alcohol, you're requesting the license and what that experience would be for the need, why the board should grant the license.

I just want for customer more relaxing A little bit.

I've been to salons where they have it. It is a nice feature when you're getting, you know, you're sitting in the chairs, getting your toes done. I get it. You know, it is a nice feature. And then you're there in Church Street.

I have no questions on this topic.

There are co-ed, like, you know, pedicures and manicures.

I'll go over great with the Marines I lead.

They want soft hands. Thanks. So this is downtown Thurmont. Is this your location? I'm trying to think where Church Street is.

Do you know where Thurmont Liberty is, the Dollar General, the CVS? They're in that shopping center. Okay, in that shopping center. Downtown, something in Maine.

Right, yes. Okay, very good. And you'd be the only salon up there doing that, correct?

The second one now.

Oh, okay.

Vermont leads in doing it the right way.

Okay, just to say.

It was our first one was up there.

Okay. Yeah. Very good. That's all the questions I have. Okay. Anything else you'd like to share with us as to why we should give you a liquor license? Actually, it's not a liquor license. It's a beer and wine license. Yes. Okay. Do we have any public comment on this case? No public. Okay, then we are back up here for a motion of further discussion.

So tax release, could Jay? Well, we just sent out for it with that number and they've been really, some silos are definitely, we're moving forward. Things are looking great. You just gave yourself the kiss of death. Yeah, I know. Yeah. So the 31st of August should be plenty of time, but they don't need to wait until then. Once we get the tax release, we'll reach out to her.

Okay. So I think the 31st will be fine.

Okay. So Madam Chair, with that, I'm prepared to make a motion that the board grant conditional approval. I'm going to go out to August 31st, 2026, pending the tax release verification from the state and the verification of all outstanding items by the liquor board staff in relevance to all state, local, county ordinance laws and regulations.

Second.

Okay. Any further discussion on that motion? With that, we are back up here. Before we take the final vote, I just want to let you know that date that Commissioner Burrell just gave, it's not a mandated date. If you get everything in order prior to that, our staff will reach out to you and give you the license earlier. Okay? Thank you. All right. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Aye. Unanimous approval. Thank you so much for doing this. Thank you.

And we'll see you in September, right? Okay. Thank you.

You're free to go.

We are up for the next case. You'll pass those out. Forum 11. Please join us. How are you?

I'm just, I'm sorry. I can't even put a full sentence together today. All right, Don. Oh, wait. Swear everybody in?

Man, way up that time.

Yeah.

Everyone is... I do feel like I'm hidden in a corner this time. Everyone who is prepared to give testimony to the Board of Licensed Commissioners, please raise your right hand and respond with I will following the oath. In the matter of the new application for Fordham Lee Distillery, do you solemnly declare and affirm under the penalties of perjury that the testimony you are about to give to the Board of Licensed Commissioners in the matter now pending will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If so, state I will, followed by your name.

I will, William Poffenbarger. I will, Christopher Smith.

I will, Dawn Sugars. What the board has before them today is a request for a new application for a Class DDS liquor-only on-site consumption permit for Fordham Lee Distillery. They're already open. The only thing we have open for him is the inspector report, which I'll have, uh, inspector Smith, go ahead and do that.

June 20, 26. We went to Fordham Lee distillery tasting room. They located at 67th road. A new license inspection was completed. That is applied for a flat license business. It's already open and functioning as a tasting room. inspection completed where the license can be issued. Notice the public hearing sign was posted in a window that allows the public to have full view of the course for 20-1405.

And this is not the, if you guys are trying, again, I know Debbie, sometimes you're trying to figure out where it's at. It's not the downtown Main Street location. This is out on their farm where the tasting room will be. So it is not in that downtown Middletown where Main Cup and in the downtown area.

That will remain your... We have non-contiguous licensure. Yes. So we have the fire hall, which is where our still and full operations are. We do have an event center down. I say event center. It's a conference room. And we've entertained doing some things where we open it up for a birthday party, whatever. But the main location in our headquarters is at the farm, 6776 Perkinsville Road. It's where the tasting room is. That's where this license would be applied, not at both.

Gotcha. That's where you started also, right?

Yes.

Yeah.

Yes. It has been a long time. Eight years.

Yeah. Let's mix it up a little bit. Tell us why we should offer you the license.

Well, we've mixed scrumptious products. We've been in business for quite a while demonstrating all of our servers are TIP certified. Anybody that'll be certain.

The type, not the certification.

Okay.

It's kind of like Kleenex in a tissue.

Okay. So we actually manufacture all of our products. We'll be limited to just the products we make. We've been in business since 2018. We've done tons and tons of off-site events and things where we've demonstrated our ability to sell our products, resell our products. There's a community need or, I think, appetite for our products. And we've kept our nose clean and worked hard to do that. And we're very interested in carting. intoxication, things like that. You know, you sit through those classes. You realize real quickly that, you know, I don't want to lose my business. I have a lot invested in this. And I've, like I say, I'm a manufacturer. That's a pretty prestigious license to get. And I want to hold on to it. So we're going to do it the right way.

What are her classes like?

Fun as heck. I mean, I got to tell you, when you sit in a class with Dawn, it's perfect staff. Everybody's been very welcoming and very... very information-giving, educational, and helpful. So it's nice. Very nice.

That is our objective. We've got the leader of the bunch right here.

Commissioners, so how many employees do you have?

So we have about any given time, 12 to 15, because we have a lot of part-time folks that do tastings for us and all the different liquor stores, restaurants, wherever we're doing. And like I said, we do these off-site events, which have been very helpful and positive things for us to get the word out, lick with the lips, to taste our products. Those folks are all certified, so we don't let people work those that don't have, one, a license to represent us, number two, a TIP certification. We took the ABLE classes. There's Two management folks that will be there at all times, and both of us have taken those, the ABLE class. I'm always into more education, and as I said, we have to really guard the ship pretty closely because we have a lot to live with.

I know this is not a standard question, but obviously, so you're doing liquor only. So what types of liquors are you producing at the facility?

So we produce... that's one of the things too, that I'm excited about. Cause we didn't go straight into a retail operation to start. Um, my, my whole agenda in this business was it's a passion for me. It was, I'm realizing my hobby now after working for everybody else for a long time and the, the passion behind it is the name. And, uh, I have a son that, that we put on that bottle. And my goal was to put bottles all over every shelf in America. We're in 13 States. Um, you know, we, um, We make bourbons, we make cream liqueurs, and we also have a 5% ready-to-drink Orange Crush. And it's delicious. It's delicious. So we wanted to be able to have a little mixed bag. We do a lot of chocolate martinis, snickerdoodle martinis. We want to have some coffee where we can add these as creamers to our coffee, I think. And that's an appetite. These are things that are also are not, they're not inherently intoxicating. Although anybody can get drunk on anything with alcohol in it. We know that, but these are more dessert drinks and that's what we want to attract. We want to attract people that instead of going to Dairy Queen or going to crumble or wherever we want to, you know, okay, we just had dinner. Hey, let's stop out at formerly distillery and let's have, you know, a old fashioned and a chocolate martini or espresso martini and old fashioned, whatever kind of combination.

So I just got to ask out of curiosity. So if you're in 13 states, I mean, your bottled product, your label, does it actually say either made in Maryland or made in Middletown?

Middletown, Maryland. And one of the things, Chris, that we've discovered is Maryland is our best friend. I mean, they're so supportive. The more you get out and if your products are you know, are good. I mean, you can't just throw, you know, anything in a bottle, but if you have good products and you work them hard and they like your story, Maryland's the biggest supporters of that. I mean, we have a lot of people that because we're Maryland based, they want to bring us in.

So, yeah, I mean the Maryland with pride stamp alone.

I mean, I don't know if you have that on your label or actually the university of Maryland's official orange crush. So yeah, that's great.

Yeah. It's OC all the way. I like that. It's fantastic. Thank you.

I know Kevin Attucks did a lot to support Secretary this. I know when I worked on the Hill, he was like driving this bus. And so it is great to see that. And to that regards, I've been on the board long enough where because you are in other states. I have to deploy you because we've had other beer distributors who then got a violation. This just doesn't affect you here because you have to qualify and all those other states. So I implore you to make sure your staff understand that. It's not just that we, as the board here, but because you have that, it is other states then can make it difficult for you to sell in their state. If you have a violation. So it is more imperative for you almost even than some of our other licensees. Not that anyone's different. It's just because I know once you cross that state line and you're doing interstate commerce, the other states' rules look to see what you do in your home state.

I've been in a license. I founded three businesses, and I'm not saying this arrogantly. I'm saying it to echo your point. The first question they ask you is everything about your track record. Have you ever been arrested? Have you ever done this? And have you ever been violated? And, you know, I got to tell you, I've been able to answer that question favorably for a long time and it's paramount to me to keep it that way.

And the interesting thing with this is you're also then in this business, your servers are the ones that are on the front lines. It's not just your efforts. It's the efforts of those that work for you. So I just, you know, I know others that have been in that situation and it has, you know, We had a situation. That's why we came up with our probation before, because we didn't have options for deferred judgment or anything in the past. And so we are trying to be very consistent. But I just wanted to implore you just to, you know, the daily this of making sure they're vigilant in training, because once, you know, they know you've got this great farm, people like to go and, you know, you could get. It's just very easy when bigger groups come in.

We hope and we will strive to make this a slow growth. As I said, we have ideas of what we can accommodate. It's smaller crowds. It's people that want to come in in groups of 8 to 15. They want to hear about bourbon. That's the other thing. All of our folks will be very well trained because we're not Jack Daniels, Jim Beam. We don't have all these other products. They're just going to know about ours. We'll be able to offer educational. Most people want to know all about your products, what they're made of. How do you make them? Where do you make them? Here, you do this. So that's really our focus is not to run. We're not trying to run a bar. We're trying to run. We love the fact that there's an opportunity with this license to allow us to give someone a drink of our products and not a five, one quarter ounce shots. So Kevin was very helpful and extremely helpful. And I'm sure being with him, thank you too. Everybody that was in his group, they did everything they can to support this initiative. And it's a tough one. You see a lot of them go out of business. And it's usually not because of violations. It's usually because it's very difficult. distribution i heard you mention earlier um distribution stuff they don't they they're they're very much uh incentivized to sell products for the big boys and the small ones really gotta we gotta really beat the bushes yeah which is what we also recommend in our class as we say if you can't find that cinnamon whiskey we talked about that go to our local distillers go to the local breweries go to those we try to

I push that out there, too, for all of the distillers, all the breweries and all the wineries to try to go more local if they can, because we are still having a lot of distributor issues.

Ours has their moments. I think they're doing the best. I think as an industry with alcohol sales being somewhat down, and a kind of a change of the guard of, you know, where products are headed and what the fad changes where you have the RTDs, the THC drinks, bringing a lot of pressure. And I think it's really impacting the way distributors did business because we, we see them laying off a lot of folks. We actually hired a regional field manager from breakthrough to be our field manager. I was a brand ambassador to help promote because they have the relationship with all the restaurants and, It's been somewhat effective. It's amazing how they're trained though. They're not sales folks, but they're good folks. And they know the rules not to break, most of them. And we have one that's, he's very much, he has the inroads and the open doors to at least get us in the conversation, which has been good.

As with many people I've mentioned today, that September open forum we're having, is something good to attend. Um, hopefully the delegation will be there. We can't mandate that they show up. 50 bucks. I'm coming. That's why we're incentivizing you. Also, and I don't think this will change is Ken Kerr is the alcohol committee chair on ECM right now. So I don't think it's going to change in January, but you never know. So, um, Teaching out to him is not a bad idea if you've got an idea. So just sharing that with him. He is a Frederick guy.

I mean, it's gotten bigger, you know, since, you know, it was just like, what, six? Now it's like 12. There was eight and went to 15.

All right. Shoot, that was a good conversation. But now I forgot where we are. Are we back up here? Oh, yeah. Do we have any public comments?

public there's no public oh well they're there aren't they we have no one on no one on oh okay well i know we couldn't see them but i thought they could still tune in all right then we are back up here again he's ready to go all right well then with that madam chair i'm prepared to make a motion that the board grant approval to ford and lee distillery for on-site consumption effective today

No further discussion on that motion. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Thank you so much. Thank you all. It's so interesting, and I love the education aspect of all this.

Anytime you guys want to schedule something or just show up, whatever, I know you'll show up. You guys are great, by the way. Anytime you want to come up or bring a group up, lunch, whatever, and just learn more about it, love to have you.

Yeah, I think Kelly and I need to make a visit.

Yeah, absolutely.

So, you know, you should think about Kentucky's done a really great job with theirs and the bourbon trail that they have, you know, linking forces with other, you know, bourbon makers. Because I know our family's big bourbon followers. So, you know, having that, like those things other states do, Maryland needs to think more about how it should be doing that.

Well, and, you know, the bourbon... business was booming it was it was we were five years into just a bourbon boom right and so we had tequila and some other things kind of come into play that have kind of quelled a little bit but what they've done in kentucky is tremendous and that's right or wrong it's the origin of all bourbon and i think that what what people need to know is we do we had a lot of whiskey starting here in maryland and pennsylvania and it all moved there at the whiskey rebellion so what i'm trying to educate on and prove is that we can make just as good a bourbon right here in Maryland as they can in Kentucky because we have limestone leached water. We have sinkholes all over Maryland. We have limestone all over Maryland. It's the same water. The pH coming out of Middletown is perfect pH. The water on my farm we tested, it's perfect pH. And you're modifying pH to ferment anyway. Dent corn is, whether it's in Ohio, whether it's in Iowa, Indiana, Maryland, wherever, dent corn is dent corn. So that's what your primary ingredient in bourbon is. And the grains, rye is grown in cold weather. Typically Maryland, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, some of the Dakotas are your better rye environments. So I'm out to prove that we can make it just as good here and Maryland can be proud of bourbon and we're going to continue doing that. That's great. And they have a lot of great practices as far as agritourism. Katie got us on the list there now at Root Ag Center, Katie Stevens. And there's just a lot of opportunity there. And I think You're spot on. That's the way we grow it is to just more people need to understand.

And working with your sister distilleries to help because they're at safety, not safety, but having that multiple where they do the tours and things, it's just something. I know it's, I tested it and visited a lot of places across the country. And there's one thing Maryland still is, we're still working on getting that, but the more that come in, it's just something to advocate for as well.

I don't know if you guys know or not, but we took on about six months ago, we took on all back office responsibility for Monica Pierce over at 10th Ward. So we now develop all her products in our back office kind of to For that reason, it just helped get some of that operational load off because that's where the expense is. All the operational requirements in a distillery, they're a lot of money. And so it's been a good relationship. She's been great to work with. We actually brought on one of her employees that works in the back that makes a lot of her canned products and such. They make the absences and everything. We're doing all that in that fire hall in Middletown now. It's a spitfire. Yes, she is.

Do you have a cigar bar?

You know, it's funny. It's funny. We had a guy come in and wanted us to start selling and says, oh, yeah, you can resell cigars right here. And I'm like, that's a tobacco brand. I've got to find more out about that. But we've entertained it. I think we've looked at that, and we've also looked at putting the lockers for bourbon in there. I've been to a couple different places. I heard you say that. They've got it. But I'm actually in a really nice place down in North Carolina that had bourbon cabinets. And they're a good thing. They're pretty cool.

Be careful with the Clean Air Act and alcohol. I know I don't make the rules, but they can't reside together. You can't be licensed with an alcohol license for our tap room. Manufacturing doesn't. I can't touch on that. But our tap room can't have the cigar in door smoking.

Okay, got it. I knew there would probably be a lot of rules that I never even looked into.

I could go over a lot more with you, too, because I've had a lot of cigar conversations with people of how to make it work. So, yeah.

Bourbon and cigars go together. It's like a hamburger and fries.

But it doesn't mean that they're going to rule at his other state license plate. It's really a drag.

Is he bourbon? Anything with a nice cigar. Okay.

Thank you all very much. You too. Thank you.

Okay. Our next case is, is it Kima? Kima, would you please join us up here?

262-627.

Good morning still.

Don, I turn it over to you. Oh, square everybody. Ever again.

I can't say that, but not today. Everyone who is prepared to give testimony to the Board of Licensed Commissioners, please raise your right hand and respond with I will following the oath. In the matter of the new application for KEMA by Kanaki. Do you solemnly declare and affirm, under the penalties of perjury, that the testimony you are about to give to the Board of Licensed Commissioners in the matter now pending will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? If so, state I will, followed by your name.

I will. Kimball, Dr. John.

I will. Aki, Dr. John.

I will. Clifton, Harrison. I will. Dawn, Sugars.

Now I turn it over to Dawn. What the Board has before them today is a request for approval of a new application for a Class B beer, wine, and liquor. for Kema by Kanaki. Open items are business license, which typically happens after the licenses or right before they when they get approval. The establishment phone number, but they're under construction, so we're still working on some things. That's why there's health, zoning, occupancy. Those items are all still open because they're still under construction at this juncture. We'll have the Inspector Harrison give his report.

Thanks. I went out to try to perform a new license inspection at Kama by Kanaki located at 50 Carroll Creek Way. No inspection was conducted at this time due to the establishment still being under construction. The notice of public hearing sign was posted on the front window of the establishment on June 24th, 2026 in accordance with section 20-1405. A re-inspection will be required before the license can be issued.

And these licensees have held a license in... Montgomery County, and they have no violation history. They have one from 2018 to present and no violation history. And then one, is there a secondary location for that to 2023 or you're both just on there's seven locks and center point way. Yeah. They're still active business. Okay. So no violation history at either one of those businesses for them. One in DC. Oh, there's one in DC. Did we not hear, we probably didn't hear back from them. Maybe we don't hold a, The license isn't in our name.

Gotcha. Okay, perfect.

Over to the board.

Hey, commissioners, any questions to start or would you like me to turn it over to the applicant? We can start with the applicant. Would you like to share with us why we should give you the honor of holding a Frederick County liquor license?

Well, purely from a guest perspective, alcohol and sushi go really well together. We both of us enjoy cocktails responsibly, but both in making them and being able to pair different flavors and textures and experiences. And I think it just kind of adds to that. And then obviously from a business perspective, it helps to sort of offset some of our business costs in terms of food costs. We use our food costs a little bit higher relative to maybe some other restaurants you can He's a chef, so he doesn't really believe that. He pays the bill, so I know that.

Mother and sister, right? That's good.

So it does the levity.

It helps to offset that a little bit for us as well.

You know the chef knows it all. Keeps filing, keeps filing. That's the story of my life. And what will this bring to our community?

The restaurant or having a liquor license? The whole thing. So I do know that there's quite a bit of sushi restaurants in the area, especially some of the newer ones. But we actually, it's interesting, the gentleman before us, because we both graduated from Middletown. So it was really kind of interesting to see that. But we grew up in Middletown. Our parents and grandparents owned the first sushi restaurant in downtown Frederick. So it's kind of like a, like a homecoming for us. Um, we are both in Montgomery County now, but we've kind of always had it in our mind to come back. And I still have, we both still have a ton of friends in the area. So it'll be nice to kind of be back in this community again. I think that they kind of appreciate that too, because they actually make the trip down to Montgomery County. Um, so they won't have to, um, be back time. Yeah. So I don't know. I think it'll just, um, kind of give a different perspective on sushi that I think is a little bit different than some of the offerings currently. Yeah, I think.

You want to share with us how you plan on never coming back here for a violation?

Sure. Well, I mean, like Dawn said, since 2018, so we've been our first restaurant together since 2018, no violations. had a ton of compliance checks, being a new applicant in Montgomery County, at that time, never holding. So never having violations . For us, it's a little bit different because, well, not for us, but we try to take it off the responsibility of, not the responsibility, but If there's ever a difficult conversation to have with a customer, you always engage a manager. Like, let us be the bad guys, right? It's so easy for me to be able to say, my name is on the liquor license. And that usually, for anybody who's reasonable, kind of understands that. But again, trying to make it easier for guests, excuse me, for our staff, educating our staff, being consistent. You know, if we say no, that is our policy. Those couple of times where you do, Excuse me, you do make an exception. We do make the exception. But again, it's a manager who is also trained, who has some skin in the game. Yeah, I think those types of things kind of what, why we're successful now in terms of our liquor license.

Okay.

Sorry, that was kind of long-winded.

No, the more information you give us, the better it is for us. Commissioners?

So I figured out the Ken Aki part. I'm going to stand for something.

My kid's name. So my son's Kenzo, my daughter's Emma, and I just came together.

Awesome. Wasn't sure if there was any. Yeah, that's very nice.

Yeah, I guess.

And then the last name, the last Aki is Ken and Aki, right? Yep. That was it.

That went out, so yeah. Why not Aki Ken? Just out of curiosity.

Sorry.

Now the first time we've gotten that question.

I'm just getting beat up here.

i agree i don't i mean i think kanaki does kind of flow better um but i get that question so often but i think as you get to know us you kind of understand why what else it could sound like a japanese city you know you know it's the thing we are japanese but um everybody thinks that kanaki is a japanese word it just looks and sounds japanese it does yeah but canon ken and aki are both japanese like traditional japanese names um but together it it kind of it makes sense

So a couple of quick questions for you. Just how many employees are you planning on having at this location?

So it'll be similar to our Potomac location. So it'll be about 25, 26. Half being in front of house, half being in the back of house. Okay. And how many have been trained for service of alcohol? All managers are certified. And then, I mean, for Frederick County, it'll be at least a 50% for sure. But we all, In Montgomery County, they offer an alert training, which is the free version, I guess, of ABLE for Frederick County. But that's Montgomery County's version. And all full-time servers go through the free training because it's held twice a month. So something similar to here. 50% will be certified, and then they'll also be required to go through the ABLE training.

Now, our ABLE training is also free. I don't know if you know. Yeah. And we do offer that once a month. Yeah. For our local regs. But I do know that they have the alert because that's how we paired up with them years and years and years ago with the alert and ABLE.

We work kind of in tandem with some of our trainings.

And the outstanding items, like how long is it going to take to fix? I mean, you got a few here. Great question.

So we're hoping for the end of August as an opening date. We were actually hoping for the end of July, but anyways, that's not possible. So I think if we're hoping to be open by then, I would say having everything completed by the last week of August.

So how much construction is left? Because I know when the inspectors went out, I mean, what's the level still?

Probably only about 25%. But there's a couple of items like electrical and things like that. But once those are done, it moves relatively fast. It's just kind of the MEP stuff that kind of takes a little bit longer. It's a renovation. It's not like a full construction build out.

So are you in the part of the creek there where all the other restaurants are?

Yep. So if you're looking at the center, it's Wine Kitchen, which is on the other end.

We're on the opposite end. So you're in the old Truth and Beauty.

Correct. Closest to the Market Street.

Okay. So there's Wine Kitchen, Plaza Mexico, Sweet Treat Something, and then Truth and Beauty is the end unit. Okay. It's in that same small strip there on this side. Okay, gotcha.

Yeah, just because there's a lot of events that go there. Carding is going to be super important. Just making sure and that over service is a big issue to downtown. You know, just in general. We will have a bar.

So but. Like an actual sit down bar, but it's not going to be really like a bar environment, I guess. So typically with restaurants, sit down restaurants like ours. You don't see a lot of over-serving, but we would be aware of what to be looking out for, things like that.

Gotcha. And so time-wise, you mentioned you want to be open by August. What's your worst-case scenario? Because you said you wanted to be open by July.

Yeah, I mean, August was our worst-case scenario, but in terms of for the reason you're asking, I would say end of September would be worst-case. Okay.

I would even go a little further.

That's where I'm just kind of getting.

You can always get it earlier. The reason I would push out the data so you don't have to come back before the board. It gives us lots of room. Just working out what it means to not be open. I know. So it doesn't mean you can't open, but I would go out first.

Okay, like 30 days, 60 days further. The end of September.

I'd go October 31st.

Yeah, I'm thinking October 31st.

October 31st when I'd open.

We might not open. I'm just kidding. But it gives you the latitude to not, I hate to say waste, because being before us is not a waste of time.

I have a question, Madam Chair. So just I know we always ask this too, and I know you have multiple other restaurants, like what is your estimated time that you'll commit to this restaurant in terms of yourselves as the licensees versus your managers that are going to be there?

Sure. So typically we're there every day for the first couple of years. And that has kind of been our process. But one of us would always be there But we have very able managers, people that we do trust that have been with us. And those folks obviously would be certified.

But I think between the two of us, somebody would be there every day.

And our staff, Dawn and her staff, are always here if you've got a question. So never, ever hesitate. It's not like the insurance company where if you ask a question, your rates are going to go up or something. So always ask because that's our main objective is to educate, not violate.

Sure. I do have a question, but I don't know if it's appropriate to ask now, but so it's a little bit different the way that Montgomery County works. You have to go through the county, right? So for Frederick, is there a list of authorized distributors that, I mean, I know we have to go through an authorized distributor, but do you guys have something that's available to us that just shows the list of distributors?

We have a generic list that we've built over time because we are not to promote one over another, but there's only certain ones that are permitted to distribute in Frederick County. And you would think that you could get a list from the state that would tell you by county. Okay. And with Montgomery County being their own distributor agency, it's easy for you there. Right. So we do have a general generic list of receipts that we've collected over the years that we've been able to say, Hey, these are what we're seeing out there. It's not an exclusive list. You do what you want. You do your homework. Just like the people that were before you with the Ethiopian beer. We don't really know, like you got to do some homework on it, but we do have a generic list. Yes. And then you can take it and go from there. Cause there are like three main distributors for beer. There are a couple of just went out of business and were bought out. So, we can give you some of that. Okay.

And that's a great other reason to come to the September. I always forget the date. September 18th. Thank you. Hearing open house forum to let our delegation know there could be distributor issues that they want to address. So if you read her face, you got it. Okay. Any other questions? No. Okay, we're back up here. And we did public comment. Yeah, we did do public comment because nobody's online.

So with that, Madam Chair, I'm prepared to make a motion that the board grant conditional approval through October 31st, 2026 to Kama by Kanaki for a Class B beer, wine, and liquor license. with the approval and reinspection from staff of all the outstanding items in application to both the state, local, and county ordinances, laws, and regulations. Second.

Okay. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Aye. Welcome aboard. I wish you the very best. We all wish you the very best. And we'll stop by and see you.

Appreciate it.

Don't hesitate to call. I mean, you guys are very responsive and very friendly. You are very friendly, unless you have a violation. Thank you, guys.

Thank you.

Okay. Last but not least, Brown Wine and Spirits, please join us up front.

Transfer 262633. Good morning. Yes. Look, she's got it. She's been here.

Everyone who is prepared to give testimony to the Board of Licensed Commissioners, please raise your right hand and respond with I will following the oath. In the matter of the transfer application for... Crown, wine, and spirits, do you solemnly declare and affirm under the penalties of perjury that the testimony you are about to give to the Board of Licensed Commissioners in the matter now pending will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? If so, state I will, followed by your name. I will.

I will. I will.

I will.

What the Board has before them today is a request for an approval of a transfer application for a Class A beer, wine, and liquor license for Crown Wine and Spirits. You'll see a couple colorings on your sheet here, and I want to explain a little bit of that. The completed application, we normally wouldn't bring before you without a completed application because it ties into that lease and deed. Their application is enough to bring before you. We are working with landlord issues. We run into this occasionally sometimes with landlords. They'll sign a lease, but then they won't sign the application. So we've had this dialogue where they've signed off on a lease, but they have... Anyway, so that's where we're working on getting that signature from the landlord, even though the lease is being completed. And whenever they're assuming a lease from someone, they're buying it out from someone, it sometimes takes a lot longer as well. So with the transfer and the settlement going through, we wanted to make sure that we kind of put that out there, that it's not an incomplete application, but there is a lease versus like the landlord signing off on the application. They do have a settlement date set for the 31st of July. So I want to make it very clear that if we don't have a lot of these items settled, we would have to create a management agreement to bridge the gap between you and the old owners in order to keep the license alive. So I want to make sure that that's on the record as well, because you can't just be settle and have it in a new business name and nothing bridge that license over. All right. So the other open items, business license, which typically happens when you settle your bulk transfer app. And has that been submitted yet?

No, it has not.

Because the inventory, because that's usually another hang-up when we do these liquor store transfers, is sometimes they bring in a company to do it. Is that what you're planning on doing? Okay. So that sometimes causes that to be a little bit, but that's now electronic, so that helps. Consent to transfer, again, landlord. It seems to be a landlord issue here. Zoning and occupancy, switching over the name. And then the inspector report, I'll go ahead and have Inspector Smith go ahead and give us that.

The 3rd of June, 2026, I, Christopher Smith, acting in the capacity of inspector for the Frederick County Electric Board of Crown Ministers, located at 30573. An inspection was completed at the establishment. The application is a transfer. Application establishment is already open and operating. There will not need to be a re-inspection as nothing operationally is changing. The notice of public hearing sign was posted in the window that allowed the public to have full view of it in accordance with 20-1405.

Thank you. I just want to make sure that it goes on the record that especially the settlement date, July 31st, that the board is very aware that the settlement, if you do not complete these items to be able to issue the license by the 31st, that management agreement is very important, very important that we have that piece in our conditional approval.

Everything Dawn just said, do you have any questions about what she just addressed? Do you want to ask her any direct questions?

No, we're good.

I'm good. Okay. All right. Would you like to share with us why we should grant this transfer? Yeah.

So I've worked and managed a liquor store in the past, past few years now. I think I'm ready to own something on my own and just be able to continue the operations that it's already ongoing with this kind of liquor store and be able to just continue that.

And what do you bring to our community?

I just want to continue to operate the store, be able to be able to sell bear wine only to the community. We want to get a tasting license. So when new products come out, we want the local community to be able to try those as well. Existing products, markets as well.

Have they applied for that yet?

They have a Sunday permit and tasting endorsement on their license request.

Okay. Do you want to share anything with us? No, I think it's a great opportunity for us. Yeah. Okay. You had to sit through everything today.

They've been very active in having conversations and Commissioner Burrell will understand where I'm coming from here. But there was concern of the grocery stores coming along and that because now Kroger is going to buy out Giant Eagle, which is up the street from them. And they're going to be new business owners just getting their feet wet. And I just told them that there's always been a pin put in that grocery store bill every year. So You just never know when that'll unfold. I can't predict the future for them, but for them to be active in voicing at the forums and things like that, yes, which will send out a... Those kind of questions were... And your location there.

So lifelong Frederick, Tony, I mean, what used to be the Ye Olde Spirit Shop that was in the 7th Street Shopping Center. And then they moved over, right? And they moved over to another location. But that whole area, you know, you have an economic engine with Fort Detrick. And so I know you've got a couple other places, you know, that are around. But again, that is an engine that drives. And actually for that location, the grocery store, And the furniture store, you do have things that draw people there and like, oh, I'll just pick up something while I'm here.

Having lived in that area, I know your store well.

And so I do think, though, you know, you do get, you know, walk-ins. You do have some of the local issues from some places around you. But just being vigilant, you know. Again, with Carding, you have base, you have, you know, young folks who are living on base who are going to come out, you know, They can serve our military, but they still can't drink until they're 21. So, you know, they all try.

You're taking my class in the last week or something. I say all these same sayings.

But I know in this location, you know, so and interestingly, you know, you're going to have the people, I guess we're Maryland still. I think I've heard this issues coming up about the digital ID as well in the legislature.

Teach. It is a no. Because they know when you sell a controlled substance for tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana, you must have your physical ID for now.

For now. But this is not saying that people are going to put it in the envelope because they're coming from other states that do allow it. I saw my first in another state where they're like, and the plumber whipped out their passport, which is now in their clear. and they allow that in other states. So it is something that's coming, you know, and then just making sure, obviously, those things. So I do have a couple questions. How many employees are you planning on having at this location?

So they currently have two employees. We plan to transition with those employees. They're also certified through the HACA Awareness Program as well already. I myself have already, and so has my sister. She's done it as well. So we've both done that. I'll be there day-to-day operational-wise. Along with those two employees.

Gotcha. And both of you are involved in the business? Yeah.

So I'll be mainly the operational side of things, managing the store day to day.

More financial bookkeeping and all that administrative items and over the weekend. Yeah.

Gotcha. Okay. And then just those extra little things. Obviously, the training component, the day-to-day. Trainings are great once you're there, but what are those day-to-day things you plan on doing for yourself and your employees? Just the reminders.

Right. Now, definitely communicating on a day-to-day basis. Check ID. Ask for ID. When you ask, make sure you verify as well. Photo, date of birth. Just make sure it's a reason. We can reasonably say this is an actual ID. If they're confused, we'll have like a handbook. Like we might get out of state passports, right? They might not be familiar with those. So we'll have a handbook there present so that they can check that off as well.

Yeah, it's about being confident. So telling our staff like to be confident to say no, right? And if they're unsure to say no as well.

So I think that's very important. And you have the control. If your staff knows, you don't have to sell. Yeah, they're in question. You've got the support there for your staff also, which is excellent.

And are you using any technology, point of sale tools, things like that as well?

Well, there is, I mean, the point of sale system that I've currently seen, they have the date on it, right, that tells them. But, you know, some people are not able to quickly do the math, right? So I do want to add another feature to it, maybe like add their, they can type in the date of birth and it will calculate for them for that aspect. But I know you can get those scanner IDs and stuff as well, but I think the best thing is to actually pull the ID, check it, and then make that decision, right?

Yeah, and lastly there, just, you know, looking at that mystery shopper type thing, don't let us be the first, especially with the transition. It does take our team a while to get out to places. I don't know when the previous owner was last inspected, but since you're hiring existing employees, make sure you're testing them as well.

And remind them that they can now be cited. That was something that we just implemented.

And we try to check our new businesses within the first six months. It might take us to eight months, but We try to check within the first six just to test it out.

We've got over 300 licensees.

We've got two gentlemen that do all that. So don't let us be the first to test you during that.

We want to keep our employees on their toes as well, right? We want to make sure that it's very important, right? We don't want to sell to anyone underage. That just leads to a lot more problems there, right? So not only with the checks, right? We don't want anyone, right, to be sold. Are you going to be staying in Chantilly? I do. In the short term, I do plan to stay in Chantilly.

I know you said you're going to be involved day-to-day, so you're going to be commuting over from Chantilly, I guess, up to the scene every day? Yeah.