What happened at the Liquor Board on January 21, 2016.

Commissioner Hafey noted that the Canton Community Association had submitted a letter of support, except that they did not yet support the outdoor table service request. Ms. James replied that her client would be willing to withdraw the request for outdoor table service of alcohol. James said that she would amend the application to make this change.

Commissioner Trotter asked how the purchase of the business is being financed. James replied that it is being financed through a loan from Jack’s Bistro, which will then be a secured creditor on the license.

Ms. Miller testified briefly that the former business stopped operating in October, that she had purchased the business in November, and she would like to open as soon as possible.

Findings of fact and law: Court of Special Appeals case Institute of Mission Helpers v. Beasley, 570 A.2d 382 (1990) held that the due process clause of the Constitution requires that an administrative agency make findings of fact and draw conclusions of law each time it makes a decision, even if, as in the case of the Board of Liquor License Commissioners, it is not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act. In this case, as in almost all of the cases decided by this set of appointees, the commissioners made no findings of fact. Rather, they merely came to the conclusory decision that the application is sufficient under Article 2B section 10-202. This is not legally sufficient.

Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke testified that she knows the licensee and his family, who have played a leading role in the business association along the St. Paul corridor. However, she would like to see an MOU between Eddie’s and the Charles Village Civic Association (CVCA) in order to establish a working relationship. The licensee has already agreed to this. Ms. Sandy Sparks, president of CVCA, agreed that the owners of Eddie’s had been good neighbors and had helped to redevelop St. Paul Street. CVCA wants to create a good neighbor agreement with Eddie’s, to make sure that the business is attractive and well-maintained and that underage sales do not occur. The licensee agreed to this on the record.

Commissioner Trotter said that this establishment is two blocks from Johns Hopkins University. “I know Hopkins,” Trotter said. Underage students “are always looking for alcohol,” which is a problem at schools throughout Baltimore City. Trotter suggested double-carding people, asking for a credit card as well as a regular card.

Executive Secretary Michelle Bailey-Hedgepeth noted that there was a health and safety violation in 2011 because an emergency exit was padlocked, and there was a 2009 sale to minors violation, which surprised the licensee.

Councilman Curran added that he used to represent this area when the district lines were different. He stated that Rugulo has taken efforts not to serve Loyola and Towson students and that Jerry’s has taken the lead among licensees in the area on underage drinking.

The last violation for sales to minors was in 2011. Trotter pointed ou that there have been four violations for underage drinking at that establishment in the last decade. He added, to Rugulo, that “we closed a place down” for underage drinking, referring to the previous administration’s decision not to renew the license for Favorites Pub.