Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Charles County Liquor Board convened on December 11, 2025, to consider license transfers, operational changes, extensions, and administrative items. The board approved a transfer for Joe's Groceries and Liquors, granted an operational change for Port Tobacco Restaurant, extended the license pickup deadline for Pier House Restaurant, and continued the abeyance for Red Tails Bar and Grill with conditions. A discussion with Posha Lounge provided clarification on the moratorium combining alcohol and tobacco licenses.
Transfer of License – Joe's Groceries and Liquors Applicant Evan Langley (represented by David Martinez) requested transfer of a Class D beer, wine, and liquor license from Joe Lawrence Langley Jr. and Linda Scott to become 100% owner. He testified that he has been the manager since December 2019, handling day-to-day operations, ordering, and invoicing. No operational changes are planned; current hours are Monday–Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with strict ID-checking policies. The board approved the transfer unanimously.
Clarification and Inquiry – Posha Lounge Owner Task Tan (represented by David Martinez) appeared to clarify his tobacco license status and requested changes to operating hours (proposed: Monday closed, Tuesday–Thursday 4 p.m.–12 a.m., Friday–Saturday 4 p.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–12 a.m.). Mr. Tan stated he removed the tobacconist designation from his business license after being advised it conflicted with his alcohol license. He confirmed that 100% of current sales come from alcohol. He expressed a desire to allow indoor cigar/hookah smoking and inquired about private events and an outside patio. The board explained that indoor smoking is prohibited under the state moratorium in effect until July 2026, that selling tobacco indoors would violate the alcohol license, and that serving alcohol on a patio while tobacco is smoked there is also impermissible. No formal action was taken on the requested hour changes; the board cleared that no violation had occurred and offered guidance.
Operational Change – Port Tobacco Restaurant Owner William Sandy (represented by David Martinez) requested permission to operate by reservation only during the winter season, with a guaranteed opening every Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. to maintain compliance. He stated the reservation-only model would allow him to keep employees working while reducing overhead. The board approved the change until May 2026, ensuring the Wednesday window remains fixed.
Extension Request – Pier House Restaurant Owner Aaron McGovern (represented by David Martinez) requested additional time to pick up his approved license due to extensive health department requirements for a use and occupancy inspection. He noted that the documentation exceeds 175 pages. He anticipates opening by March 1, 2026. The board granted an extension until March 12, 2026.
License Abeyance – Red Tails Bar and Grill Marilyn Borders, license holder, and DJ Richardson, prospective tenant, requested an extension of the abeyance period, which had expired. Ms. Borders stated that all outstanding debts and taxes have been paid and a lease is signed. Mr. Richardson stated he could submit a transfer application within 60 days. The board extended the abeyance until March 13, 2026, on condition that the license will expire on that date if a transfer application has not been filed.
Good morning. Welcome to the December 11th meeting for the Charles County Liquor Board. Ms. Wesley. Our first item on the agenda is an application has been made by Evan Wayne Langley, G E L L L C trading as Joe's Groceries and Liquors, 8355 Marshall Corner Row, Ponfrit, Maryland, 20675 for a transfer of a Class D beer, wine, and liquor on off sale alcohol beverage license from Joe Lawrence Langley Jr. and Linda Scott and Hop. J E L L L C trading as Joe's Joe's groceries LLC, represented by David Martinez Esquire. Mr. Langley, can I have you raise your right hand? Do you declare an affirmative penalty of perjury? Testimony about to give us the truth. Yes. Thank you. Please state your name for the record. Evan Langley. Thank you. Good morning, Mr. Chair. Members of the board, David Martinez, Jenkins Law Firm on behalf of Mr. Langley. And Mr. Chairman, I would question Mr. Langley with your permission. See? Mr. Langley, good morning. Good morning, sir. And uh the board is probably aware, but Joe's Groceries and Liquors is located on 227, just near the intersection with Bensville Road in Palm Fort. Is that correct? Yes, sir. And you've been the minority owner in this business since 2019, uh, but have not been eligible to hold the liquor license. Is that accurate? Yes, sir. And this this business has been around for for a long time, but uh your grandfather originally was uh running this store, is that correct? He was the second owner of the store. He bought the store off the original owner. Okay, but it's been in the family for seven years. Yeah, since 1966. Okay, and currently your your father and your uh cousin uh they're kind of phasing out, and you're gonna take over 100 percent running the running the business. Is that correct? Yes, sir. That's my plan. And other than the change of corporate ownership to uh you to become the 100 percent member in the entity, are you planning to make any operational changes to the store? Not that I can think of at the moment. And you're currently running the day to day operations, is that correct? Yes,