What happened at the Liquor Board on August 11, 2016.

Mr. Derr also said that there are issues with deliveries and parking: delivery trucks sometimes block the street. Also, he said that the restaurant puts notes on windshields when neighbors park in front for more than an hour. Mr. Bauer replied that there are ten off-street parking spots in a parking lot nearby. Derr says that sometimes there are deliveries and trash pickups at 4am; Mr. Dipasquale said that he had addressed that issue already.

The commissioners expressed concern that the business owner and neighbors be able to work together in the future. The licenesee testified that he is the manager and owner of the business and is very sensitive to community concerns.

Alcoholic Beverages Article section 2-407 says that an application “shall be made on behalf of an entity that is a corporation … by three officers or employees residing in the State.” If there are fewer than three officers, then all officers shall make the application. In this case, the application clearly shows that there are four officers and only one applicant. This application is therefore not in conformity with the Alcoholic Beverages Article.

Shin submitted a petition in support of the transfer as well as a copy of Mr. Kim’s alcohol awareness training certificate.

Commissioner Moore asked about Mr. Winn’s alcohol management experience. Mr. Shin replied that he has no experience, but Mr. Kim has been at the store since 2003 as a manager, so he has 13 years’ experience. He may hire employees at some point, but he will mostly be working by himself to start out. Commissioner Moore expressed concern about Mr. Kim’s language ability, since he required an interpreter for the hearing. Mr. Shin replied that Mr. Kim knows enough English to transact business with his customers. In 2008, he did accidentally serve alcohol to a minor, but he learned his lesson.

Commissioner Moore expressed confusion about how the business will be run: the applicants plan to be open from 10 or 11am until 2am, but they also have full-time jobs. Ms. Singh said that, though she is a registered nurse, she can set her own hours. Ms. Wines said that she works in commercial real estate and will be available to help with the business on weekends.

These licensees have been on eight different licenses since 1991 and have not had any violations at any of those establishments.

Mr. Alan Mlinarchik, of the Charles North Community Association testified in favor of the project, adding that they support the request for outdoor tables as long as there is sufficient space on the sidewalk for pedestrians to pass by.

Commissioner Moore noted that the applicants had not yet received their minor privilege permit for outdoor seating and wondered if the BLLC had the ability to approve alcohol service at the outdoor tables if that permit had not been obtained. Deputy Executive Secretary Thomas Akras testified that the BMZA doesn’t hold a hearing for a minor privilege, because they are permitted by right. Zoning does sign off, but they don’t issue a letter or resolution. Commissioner Greenfield asked if the BLLC was allowed to vote in favor of outdoor tables, pending the approval of the minor privilege. Mr. Hurdle responded that “previous boards have done that,” to which Commissioner Moore objected.

Violation of AB Rule 4.16: Illegal Conduct – July 20, 2016 – At approximately 9:00am, BLLC staff conducted a review of the corporate status of the entity known as “GM Holdings, Inc.” and found that the entity was deemed “forfeited” by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Also at that time, staff conducted a review and determined that a 2016-2017 trader’s license had not yet been issued to the establishment.

Violation of AE Rule 3.11(a): Restroom Facilities and Health Regulations – February 25, 2016 – At approximately 10:15 PM, BLLC inspection staff conducted an inspection of the establishment based on an anonymous complaint that the bathrooms were dirty. Upon arrival inspectors observed that the establishment was open and operating.An inspection of the bathrooms was performed and BLLC staff noticed unsanitary conditions in both the men’s and women’s bathrooms. Upon discovery, the bar manager admitted that the restrooms had not been cleaned for at least four (4) days. BLLC inspectors instructed the bar manager/licensee to clean the bathrooms. Once cleaned, BLLC staff reinspected both bathrooms and observed they were in compliance.

Violation of AE Rule 3.18: Illegal Conduct and Codes Compliance – July 20, 2016 – At approximately 9:00am, BLLC staff conducted a review of the corporate status of the entity known as “GM Holdings, Inc.” and found that the entity was deemed “forfeited” by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Also at that time, staff conducted a review and determined that a 2016-2017 trader’s license had not yet been issued to the establishment.

The corporation that owns this liquor license is forfeited by the state of Maryland; therefore, according to Deputy Executive Secretary Thomas Akras, they cannot operate. In Maryland, it is a misdemeanor to operate one’s business with a forfeited charter, which is why the licensee was charged with illegal conduct under the BLLC rules.

Commissioner Moore asked the licensee her age; Ms. Dennison responded that she is 26. Moore asked how long she has owned and operated the business; Dennison said that she started at Lust six or seven years ago, when she was 19 years old. She has been the licensee for four or five years.

Baltimore City Police Officer Zelno testified that he was walking the beat near La Rumba when he heard a commotion. He said that the police department tries to keep an officer on that particular block because of the crime issue there and the large amount of bars. Zelno observed a physical altercation; he approached and saw a large amount of blood. The witnesses said that there was a verbal argument inside the bar, and both people were escorted outside. As they were being escorted out, one of the two in the argument took a glass bottle, broke it, and stabbed the other man in the neck with the broken bottle. They were located directly outside of La Rumba when this happened.

Ms. Chrissy Anderson, of Fells Prospect Community Organization, testified that she was tired of coming to the Liquor Board to testify about La Rumba and its issues over and over again. She asked the licensee why it was acceptable to push people who are fighting out onto the street. She said that Ramos has made no effort to improve his business or cooperate with the neighbors.

Mr. Jose Ribadeneira, licensee at the nearby Latin Palace, testified that the neighborhood is “infested” with rehab centers and bad quality people.

Commissioner Greenfield pointed out that Mr. Ramos was insisting that everything happened outside, but he said that Mr. Ramos has some responsibility both inside and outside of his premises. He expressed concern that the incident was “extremely serious” and that he was concerned that Mr. Ramos thought that he didn’t have responsibility.

Commissioner Moore pointed out that, the last time that Mr. Ramos was before the Board, on July 14, 2016, he told her that there were no more problems at his bar. But July 14 was only four days after this stabbing incident. She said that Mr. Ramos shows no responsibility. She asked Ramos why he called Mr. Ribadeneira immediately after the stabbing. Ramos said that he wasn’t worried about any violations at the time, but he and Mr. Ribadeneira talk all the time.

The Washington Hill community association submitted a letter of opposition to this licensee, which was entered into evidence.