What happened at the Liquor Board on April 3, 2014.

Chairman Fogleman noted that, when Mr. Tobash had applied for the liquor license, the Board had told him to demonstrate that he could run a good business before applying for outdoor table service. Chairman Fogleman asked Mr. Tobash whether there had been any problems in the past year, and Mr. Tobash replied that there had not.

Chairman Fogleman asked Mr. Shaeffer to clarify the purchase price of the business, listed on the Applicant’s Interview Form. Mr. Shaeffer explained that he already owned the building and that he forgave a $85,000 debt in exchange for the business. Chairman Fogleman directed the applicant to amend the application, showing the $85,000 as the purchase price of the business.

Mr. Shaeffer is employed by the City of Baltimore for 911. He will be the full time manager of the business. Live entertainment at the bar will include a DJ, dancing, and an occasional three-piece band. The bar’s capacity is 118 people.

Joyce Adamski, President of the Southeastern District Police Community Relations Council, appeared and requested a postponement. She said that the applicants never came to the community and, considering the history of the premises, the SDPCRC would like to meet with the applicants and learn of their intentions for the establishment. Mr. Kodenski objected to the postponement because the witnesses were there to testify and because the decision is time sensitive. Ms. Adamski reiterated that she wanted to meet with the applicants as soon as possible. Chairman Fogleman pointed out that the Board is anticipating against protest of renewal season, which is time-consuming. He said that the best timing would be to reschedule for next week. Ms. Adamski said that she could make it work to meet with the applicants in advance of the hearing next Thursday.

You can also watch the video of the hearing on YouTube:

It is unclear how or why the Board accepted an application for a transfer of ownership of a license that the Board, under no uncertain terms, according to the decision shown in the video above, had revoked. The Chairman had voted to let Mr. Trintis keep the license in order to sell it to another licensee, but, as he said in the video, he was in the minority. Commissioners Smith and Jones voted to revoke the license, due to the severity of the charges.

Mr. and Mrs. Crews have been in business for nine months without any violations. They spoke with the North Harford Road Community Association, and the group decided to neither support nor oppose the request. Mr. Crews added that he spoke to the neighbors who live behind the property and received no negative feedback and confirmed that management will monitor the noise outside.

Chairman Fogleman asked Ms. Al-Khatib to explain what Red Emma’s was trying to do. She explained that Red Emma’s has been open at its new location on W. North Avenue for five months. She said that the restaurant would like to start selling local beer and organic wine as a small part of its offerings. The applicants only expect to sell alcohol on the premises from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am on Wednesday through Sunday. Ms. Al-Khatib pointed out that there may be occasion to serve liquor, for example, at Sunday brunches.

Commissioner Smith asked about the average cost of alcohol, which Ms. Al-Khatib explained would be $5.00 per beer and $5.00-10.00 per glass of wine. Commissioner Smith asked if the establishment is near a substance abuse recovery center. Ms. Al-Khatib answered that there are two methodone clinics nearby. In response to this question, she then explained the concept of their Tuesday “Dry Day.” On Tuesdays, Red Emma’s will not sell alcohol, in accordance with discussions the applicants had with community members from the public housing building behind the establishment and nearby Project PLASE. Ms. Al-Khatib also explained that, while the applicants may consider off-site catering in the future, it has no plans to sell alcohol for carry-out.

Mr. Johnson of the MVBA appeared to speak in support of the applicants. Mr. Johnson said that he checked with property manager of the building, who is also in support. MVBA negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Favas to restrict the hours of sale. Tom Yeager of the Downtown Baltimore Partnership also spoke in support.

Mrs. Fava testified that she is currently employed at the restaurant and sells wine to go. She testified that she has never had a liquor violation and that she will continue to be alcohol awareness certified.

Voluntary license restrictions: The Favas have agreed to restrict the hours of sale, based on negotiations with the MVBA and the Downtown Partnership. They will not sell alcoholic beverages after 10:00pm, Sunday through Thursday, or after 12:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The real property information on the Applicants’ Interview Form was incomplete, and Commissioner Smith asked for clarification. The equipment was purchased for $50,000 and renovations are ongoing now. Mr. Bauer corrected the form, and Mrs. Fava initialed the change.