What happened at the Liquor Board on February 2, 2017.

Ceremony Coffee is an Annapolis company that opened its first location in Mount Vernon several years ago. Their Mount Vernon and Annapolis locations do not have a liquor license, but this new Harbor Point location plans to catch some of the post-work happy hour crowd relating to the new development. They plan to open in April. They met with the Fells Point Residents Association, which is the closest community association, and FPRA voted to support the project.

Ms. Hecker noted that this is the first liquor license in Harbor Point, so there are no other licenses in the immediate vicinity. Commissioner Moore pointed out that there are many licenses in Harbor East, nearby.

Mr. Iottesta testified that he will have his employees alcohol management certified, and they will require ID from anyone who appears under 40 years old.

Chairman Matricciani asked whether they would be changing anything in the transfer; Mr. Bauer responded that the only thing that they are changing is “bringing off premises catering up to code.” Juengel added that they do off-premises catering 3-5 times per year and that they want to be “on the up and up.”

The applicants submitted letters of approval from the Hampden Community Council and the Hampden Village Merchants’ Association.

Ms. Dolina testified that she started her art gallery years ago and added the restaurant more recently. The Arthouse shows and sells art made by local artists as well as brick oven pizza and small plates. They have had no violations.

The applicants have worked in the alcoholic beverage industry for the past several years. The manager, who was also present but is not an applicant, has worked in the adult entertainment industry. He testified briefly that he has managed adult entertainment clubs for over 27 years and described his security plans. He said that, in order to keep out underage people, the club will have a dress code. He will train his staff not to overserve customers. Commissioner Moore asked about his hiring plans; the manager responded that he will be hiring the dancers as employees, not as independent contractors. He will keep employee records on location.

Mr. Kodenski proffered that his clients plan to offer a food menu in the future, adding, “it seems like, Scores and Gold Club and the rest of them, they all seem to be adding a food component to their business which I think goes along rather nicely with what they have. Fantasies, actually, has a pretty decent menu – the only reason why I know that is I was there with Mr. Frank Shaulis. He drove me there; I didn’t go there on my own.”

Ms. Hernandez testified that she plans to move into the city and be on site often.

Commissioner Greenfield asked whether parking will be an issue, given the truck traffic in the area. Ms. Hernandez responded that they are trying to figure out a parking plan, since their parking lot is small. Greenfield recommended special attention to parking if they schedule special events.

Commissioner Moore noted that the BMZA approval of the live entertainment was subject to the restrictions in the application submitted to the Zoning Board. She asked for a copy of the restrictions, and Mr. Will Bauer read the restrictions into the record. Moore asked for a physical copy, and Bauer promised to stop by the office and make a copy for the Liquor Board’s file.

Chairman Matricciani asked Mr. Azor for his plan to deal with the situation; Azor replied that he will rebuild once he has received money from the insurance company.

Commissioner Moore asked Mr. Azor what his landlord has done to start repairing the damage to the building. Azor replied, “actually nothing.” Moore asked whether it was Azor’s plan to transfer the license to another location or sell it; the licensee responded that right now, he just needs time to figure out what he will do.

Commissioner Greenfield suggested that it might make sense to relocate, given the issues with his landlord. He said that Azor should work with the agency staff to make sure he understands the time frame in the law. Chairman Matricciani added that the insurance company is not under any obligation to reimburse the licensee within the time allotted by state law, and the license may expire while the licensee is negotiating with the insurance company. If that happens, the Liquor Board cannot revive it.

Violation of Alc. Bev. Art. §3-504(f)(1)(III): – Failure to Present Valid Alcohol Awareness Certificate – November 18, 2016 – On October 14, 2016 Inspector Perez had visited the establishment and conducted a routine inspection. Upon conducting the inspection, Perez requested from Mr. Davis Garrison, the manager of the location, a copy of the establishment’s alcohol awareness certification. Mr. Garrison could not produce an alcohol awareness certification at the time. Inspector Perez instructed management to obtain one on or before October 24, 2016. Inspector Perez returned to the establishment on November 18, 2016 to determine if the establishment had obtained or could produce a valid alcohol awareness certificate. On that date, Inspector Perez again requested a copy of alcohol awareness certificate from the management at the establishment. The manager, Mr. Davis Garrison, could not produce a valid alcohol awareness certificate to Inspector Perez.

Chairman Matricciani and Commissioner Moore both noted that the establishment had had a similar violation in 2013, which shows a pattern of disorganization.

Violation of Rule 4.16: Illegal Conduct – January 18, 2017 – At approximately 12:44 pm, BLLC staff conducted a review of the corporate status of the entity known as “ERS, Incorporated” and found that the entity was deemed “forfeited” by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.