Carroll County Board of License Commissioners Public Hearing - March 11, 2026

On March 11, 2026, the Carroll County Board of License Commissioners held public hearings starting at 10:00 a.m. in the Reagan Room of the Carroll County Office Building in Westminster, Maryland. The meeting addressed routine one-day liquor license approvals, violation hearings for underage sales, license transfers, and a license type change application. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• First time event holder (Women's Club of Hampstead): Approved to hold a fundraiser at the Fireside on Main in Hampstead, featuring a catered dinner and wine tasting, with expected attendance of 100 people. No objections.
• Ryland Green additional bar area: Approved to add a new bar at the Island Green to alleviate weekend lines, with 12 bar stools and 40-42 driving stations. No objections.
• Veteran Celebration of Carroll County: One-day license approved for the annual event at the Foreign Museum. No objections.
• Wine and Art Music Festival: One-day license approved for the event at Tarnetown Memorial Park. No objections.
• Renewal forms wording change: Board agreed to remove the words "and miscellaneous items" from the food/alcohol sales renewal form and to replace the notary requirement with a certification under penalties of perjury for certain forms.
• Katina Sushi ownership change: Notification letter from Matt Hurf, Esq. regarding a change of ownership for Katina Sushi of Mount Airy – no objection.
• Sykesville block party participation: Letter from Tyler Whitig (The Local Motive) approved pending the town obtaining a state non-festival permit. Also approved Peddapso Distilling Company and Vine on the Main to participate in all four Sykesville events.
• Stables Restaurant deck parties: Letter from Stanley Jacowski Kafowitz approved to hold outside deck parties on Saturdays and Sundays from May 16 to September 26, 2026 (previously only Sundays). No objections.
• Kuhn Club adding liquor: Board agreed to handle the request to add liquor to the existing club license as a business meeting rather than a full hearing, and will bring them in at a future meeting.

Public Comments

No public comments were made during the meeting.

Discussion Items

Case 6602 – New York Pizzeria (Ana Perla Flores, t/a FS Rest, LLC)

• Violation: Sale of alcohol to a person under 21 on January 21, 2026. An underage volunteer purchased a Corona beer without being asked for ID. The server, Reese Edwards, had no TIPS/TAMS training and was a college student working her second shift.
• Licensee testimony: Owner Jose Sanchez stated the server had been trained but forgot. The licensee (Ana Perla Flores) noted the business had two prior violations in 2015 and 2019 (before she was manager) and this was her first compliance check as a licensee. Since the incident, she sent 8 employees to alcohol training.
• Board discussion: Commissioners expressed disappointment that the first check failed, citing lack of training and education. They noted sincere efforts to mitigate the problem.
• Decision: Licensee found culpable. Fine of $400 to be paid within 30 days.

Case 6601 – De Cantera (Miguel Ochoa, t/a De Cantera LLC)

• Note: This hearing was originally scheduled for 11:00 a.m. but was continued to 1:30 p.m. due to missing information.
• Violation: Sale of alcohol to a person under 21 on January 21, 2026, and failure to have an alcohol-aware trained person on premises. An underage volunteer purchased a Corona beer without being asked for ID. The server, Wilson Joel Monteflor Purry, had no TIPS/TAMS training and produced a Guatemalan ID. The manager, Jose Duran, was also untrained.
• Licensee testimony: Miguel Ochoa (10% owner) explained the server was hired based on experience at another restaurant, and they assumed he was certified. The restaurant had passed two previous compliance checks but failed the third. Since the incident, employees have taken training.
• Board discussion: Commissioners noted a lack of accountability and training, but acknowledged the licensee’s cooperation and steps taken.
• Decision: Licensee found culpable for both violations. Fine of $400 for the underage sale and $100 for the training violation, total $500, to be paid within 30 days.

Case 6593 – Twin Arch Tavern (John Christopher Beck)

• Application: Transfer of license from Gennaro Illiano to John Christopher Beck, as part of a business swap involving three restaurants. Beck was a 50% owner and will become 100% owner. He has been involved in operations for years.
• Character witnesses: Three individuals testified to Beck’s fitness and character.
• Board discussion: Commissioners noted Beck’s excellent track record and qualifications.
• Decision: Application approved, subject to providing updated corporate documents.

Case 6599 – TJ’s Corner Grill (William T. Leach)

• Application: Transfer of license from Joyce B. Leach to William T. Leach due to a domestic separation. Leach has operated the restaurant since 2008 and lives upstairs. He has a strong record with only one prior violation.
• Character witnesses: Three individuals testified to Leach’s honesty and fitness.
• Board discussion: Commissioners praised Leach’s experience and community reputation.
• Decision: Application approved.

Case 6603 – Liquidity Aleworks (Raymond Tignall Jr. and William Deavers)

• Application: Change license type from Class D (beer only) to Class B-R (beer, wine, and liquor). The microbrewery partners with Walkers on Main, which operates a semi-permanent outdoor kitchen (custom-built trailer affixed to the building) to provide food.
• Discussion: The board extensively debated whether the outdoor kitchen qualifies as a food truck under state law. The board concluded it is not a food truck because it is not routinely moved, is attached to the building via utilities, and was custom-built for the location. The Town of Mount Airy has approved the arrangement. The applicants noted the microbrewery industry is struggling and the upgrade will allow them to host events and increase revenue.
• Board discussion: Commissioners acknowledged the business is underperforming projections and the upgrade will help adaptation. They emphasized the unique nature of the arrangement and that it does not set a precedent for food trucks.
• Decision: Application approved, with the understanding that the food service operation remains semi-permanent and does not move locations.

Key Outcomes

• Fine imposed: New York Pizzeria – $400 (underage sale).
• Fine imposed: De Cantera – $500 ($400 for underage sale, $100 for training violation).
• License transfer approved: Twin Arch Tavern (John Christopher Beck).
• License transfer approved: TJ’s Corner Grill (William T. Leach).
• License type change approved: Liquidity Aleworks from Class D to Class B-R.
• Consent Calendar items: All routine approvals granted as listed above.
• Next meeting: Scheduled for April 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the same room.