Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board met on February 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM in a hybrid format (Banneker Room and WebEx). Board members present: Chair Steve Chen, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Hunt, and Ms. Johnson. The board approved the minutes of the February 27, 2026 meeting (date as stated in the transcript, though it follows the meeting date) and considered one application for a change of resident agent and licensee for Mission BBQ Columbia.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved the minutes of the previous meeting (referenced as February 27, 2026).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Application for Change of Resident Agent & Licensee – Mission BBQ Columbia
  The application sought to change the resident agent and licensee for a Class B Beer 7-Day On Sale license at 6270 Columbia Crossing Circle, Columbia, MD 21045 (4,500 sq. ft. restaurant with 1,199 sq. ft. patio) from the current licensees (Jonathan Kendrick, William Kraus, Stephen Newton) to John Bezold and Randall Riniker. Applicant was represented by counsel Nicholas Callas.
  • During testimony, it was revealed that John Bezold is not an employee or officer of Mission BBQ and has no ownership interest; he is a frequent patron. Per Board Rule 2.06, a resident agent must be a 10% owner or a full-time manager/supervisor physically present. Randall Riniker holds a 10% Series B interest and is an experienced operator (12 years with Mission BBQ).
  • Board counsel Jay noted the application error and presented two options: (1) continue the hearing for an amended application, or (2) approve with a contingency that the application be corrected. The board and applicant preferred the latter, agreeing to remove John Bezold and have Randall Riniker as the sole resident agent.
  • Board members expressed comfort due to low alcohol sales (less than 1% of gross revenue) and the presence of trained on-site managers (general manager David and assistant managers). No prior violations were reported.
  • A question about health department inspection was raised; it was noted as a separate process to be handled later.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Approve (by Chair Chen, seconded): Approved the petition for change of resident agent and licensee to Randall Dean Riniker for Mission BBQ Columbia, contingent upon submission of an amended application removing John Bezold and correcting the resident agent listing. The license is for a 4,500 sq. ft. restaurant with a 1,199 sq. ft. patio at 6270 Columbia Crossing Circle, Columbia, MD 21045.
  • Vote: Unanimous (4-0).
  • Applicants waived their right to appeal.
• The board scheduled its next hearing for February 24, 2026.