KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND

The Honorable Board of License Commissioners met today with the following present: Roy W. Crow, Scott D. Livie, and William W. Pickrum, presiding.

SPECIAL LICENSE

The Commissioners approved three one day special Class C Beer and Wine License for the Mainstay Inc. for music performances to be held at the Mainstay in Rock Hall on March 9, March 15 and April 6.

The Commissioners approved a one day special Class C Beer License for the Betterton Still Pond Lions Club for a fund raising event to be held at the Betterton Fire Hall on March 8.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE VIOLATION
LEWES DAIRY MARKET

In response to a report dated January 23 received from the Alcoholic Beverage Inspector relating to an alleged violation of the alcoholic beverage laws Article 2B Section 13-101(2)(i), of the Annotated Code of Maryland as to failure to have an individual certified in Alcohol Awareness Training present during the hours in which alcoholic beverages are served or consumed, an administrative hearing was held at 9:15 a.m. This hearing was originally scheduled for February 18, however, due to inclement weather, the regular meeting of this Board was cancelled. Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, was in attendance as well as Mauritz Stetson, Alcoholic Beverage Inspector, and Mahmood Balg Mirza, Licensee.

Mr. Stetson and Mr. Mirza were sworn in by Ms. Hayman for giving testimony. Mr. Stetson reported that during routine inspection on January 18, he observed Mr. Mirza's daughter, not trained in Alcohol Awareness, and under the age of twenty-one, as the only salesperson in the store. He advised that Miss Mirza reported that her Uncle had left the store to go to the bank. Mr. Stetson also advised that State law has provided for such instances by allowing for a log sheet noting necessary departures, however, the licensees did not have any log/records. Mr. Stetson advised that he did not observe any alcohol being sold by Miss Mirza.

Commissioner Pickrum stated that this Board takes enforcement of alcohol beverage laws very seriously. Commissioner Livie stated consideration should be taken as this is the first offense, there was no sale of alcoholic beverages or cigarettes to minors, and the business is an asset to the community. A motion was made by Commissioner Livie, seconded by Commissioner Crow, and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to suspend a $100 fine and reiterated the necessity of a log/record be kept. Mr. Mirza advised that his daughter is now twenty-one and is scheduled to attend an alcohol awareness class.

This hearing was taped for reference and was adjourned at 9:28 a.m.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, March 11, 2003.

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