I. Regular Items (New, Transfers, Expansions and Hardships):
| Applicant | James Clark |
| Business Name | Clark Bar, LLC |
| Trading As | Clark Burger |
| Address | 415 S. Central Avenue |
| Type of License | Class “D” Beer, Wine & Liquor License |
| Reason for hearing | Application to transfer ownership. |
| Hearing notes | Mr. Joseph Woolman told the Board, for his client, that he is requesting a second location in Fells Point for his popular Belvedere Square burger restaurant. Woolman noted that he had received the support of a community association that had recently successfully protested the transfer of location of a liquor store. He submitted a memorandum of law that addressed the factors that the Board is required to consider in the code.
Councilman Bill Henry testified in favor of the application to transfer based on his support of the Belvedere Square location. Commissioner Moore noted that she’s a regular at Clark Burger and that it’s a “wonderful place.” There were also letters of support from individuals in the file. |
| Result of hearing | Approved |
| Vote tally | Unanimous |
| Portions of state law cited in decision | None |
| Other reasons given for decision | None |
| Issues raised in audit present in this case or other issues observed | None |
| Applicants | Robert Wehner and Ronald Pruett |
| Business Name | O & W Company, LLC |
| Trading As | Murphy’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill |
| Address | 5800 York Road |
| Type of License | Class “BD7” Beer, Wine & Liquor License |
| Reason for hearing | Request to reopen after 90 days: Request to reopen under the provisions of the Alcoholic Beverages Article § 12-2203 wherein a licensed premises has been closed for at least three (3) consecutive months. |
| Hearing notes | The licensees were not present at the hearing.
Mr. Abraham Hurdle proffered that Mr. Wehner had been suffering from severe health issues lately and therefore could not keep his business open. Now that those issues have been resolved, he is requesting to reopen. He was granted a timely hardship extension. The manager at Murphy’s testified that the business is all caught up on their inspections and are ready to reopen within days. Councilman Bill Henry testified in support of the request to reopen, saying that Mr. Wehner is one of the more responsible licensees on the York Road corridor and has been willing to work with community groups. Commissioner Moore asked for more details about how the establishment will deal with the potential problem of underage drinking. The manager replied that they will be asking for ID from anyone under 40 and will have appropriate security measures in place. There is currently an issue with the good standing of the corporation, which was raised briefly by Commissioner Greenfield at the end of the hearing. |
| Result of hearing | Approved |
| Vote tally | Unanimous |
| Portions of state law cited in decision | None |
| Other reasons given for decision | None |
| Issues raised in audit present in this case or other issues observed | None |
| Applicant | Gurpreet Kaur |
| Business Name | None |
| Trading As | Characters Corral |
| Address | 2148 Wilkens Avenue |
| Type of License | Class “D” Beer, Wine & Liquor License |
| Reason for hearing | Application to transfer ownership. |
| Hearing notes | Ms. Kaur is purchasing the business from Ms. Virginia Anderson, who was present at the hearing. Kaur has had four years’ experience helping to run her husband’s store. Ms. Kaur’s husband, Angraz Singh, was also present at the hearing in support of the transfer. The hours of operation will be from the afternoon until midnight most days. The establishment will be run the same way as it has been under Ms. Anderson’s ownership. |
| Result of hearing | Approved |
| Vote tally | Unanimous |
| Portions of state law cited in decision | None |
| Other reasons given for decision | None |
| Issues raised in audit present in this case or other issues observed | None |
| Applicants | Solomon Weldekirstos and Kibrom Samuel |
| Business Name | O’Ryan, LLC |
| Trading As | O’Ryan’s Pub |
| Address | 53-55 S. Kresson Street |
| Type of License | Class “BD7” Beer, Wine & Liquor License |
| Reason for hearing | Application to transfer ownership. |
| Hearing notes | Mr. Peter Prevas told the commissioners that the pub is a quiet neighborhood bar. The applicant has purchased the building and added a menu of food. He is present every day to ensure that everything is operated smoothly. Mr. Weldekirstos has not previously owned or operated a liquor licensed establishment; he works in consulting and real estate. Mr. Samuel did run a liquor store at one point but is now a cab driver, in order to spend more time with his family.
Commissioner Greenfield requested some assurance from Mr. Weldekirstos that he will be a hands-on owner and operator of the establishment, since he lives in the DC area. The applicant responded that he has purchased several properties in Baltimore City, so he will be in the city every day. |
| Result of hearing | Approved |
| Vote tally | Unanimous |
| Portions of state law cited in decision | None |
| Other reasons given for decision | None |
| Issues raised in audit present in this case or other issues observed | None |