KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND

The Honorable Board of License Commissioners met today with the following present: Larry B. Beck, W. Michael Newnam, and Ronald H. Fithian, presiding.

SPECIAL LICENSE

The Commissioners approved the following one day only special licenses:

A Class C Beer and Wine License for the Betterton - Still Pond Lions Club for a fund rasing event on November 2 at the Betterton Fire House in Betterton.

A Class C Beer License for the Campaign for William P. Gale on October 25 to be held at Radcliffe Mill, Chestertown.

RENEWAL APPLICATIONS

Mauritz Stetson, Alcoholic Beverage Inspector, appeared and reviewed 21 renewal applications. He reported that the remaining renewal applications will be submitted this week.

At the recommendation of Mr. Stetson, a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Newnam and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to approve the renewal applications, as presented.

J.T. 'S ROCK HALL INN

Mr. Stetson recommended that J.T.'s Rock Hall Inn be downgraded from a Class B Beer, Wine and Liquor (Restaurant) License to a Class D (Tavern) License since the establishment was not operating as a full service restaurant and does not appear to be in accordance with Article 2B Section 6 -201 (p) 3 (iii) in meeting the 60% - 40% ratio of food sales to alcohol sales. A motion was made by Commissioner Beck to downgrade the license from a Class B (Restaurant) License to a Class D (Tavern) License. Commissioner Newnam advised that he would not second the motion as he did not believe that Rock Hall needed another tavern and that he did not think it was in the best interest of other Class B License holders to allow the establishment to carry on without meeting all requirements. Commissioner Newnam stated that the license was issued based on testimony given by Mr. Willis that the business would be operated as a restaurant (Chinese), however, to date, the business has not operated as a restaurant. Commissioner Beck withdrew the motion.

During the discussion licensee, Thomas Willis, appeared to discuss the matter. Mr. Stetson advised of his concerns that J.T.'s Rock Hall Inn was not meeting the Class B license requirements. Commissioner Newnam reiterated his opinion on the matter. Mr. Willis reported that the restaurant was currently serving appetizers only and additional time was being taken to clean the kitchen. Additional kitchen equipment obtained is awaiting Kent County Health Department approval. He also advised of difficulties in retaining a

chef, although he had recently solved that matter and a new chef was hired to start immediately. Mr. Willis also advised that the establishment was closing on Sunday since they were not operating as a restaurant.

Commissioner Newnam stated that he would agree to allowing the operation to continue with a restaurant license for three months, after that time the matter would be reviewed again. He also requested that the establishment remain closed on Sunday and no one under the age of twenty one be allowed entry until the operation is established as restaurant under the definition of the Annotated Code. A motion was made to that effect by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian. Mr. Willis thanked the Board for the consideration given.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, October 29, 2002.

Please contact Joyce Laskey or Janice Fletcher at (410) 778-7435 or by e-mail with any questions or comments.