La Plata, MD – The Spice Club Variety Grill in Waldorf was on the hot seat before the Charles County Board of License Commissioners (Liquor Board) Thursday, July 9.
Member Steve Lowe recused himself from the discussion after stating he has a relationship with the landlord in the case.
David Martinez, representing the Spice Club, said his client attempted to return the business liquor license but was told he couldn’t, pending the hearing before the board Thursday.
“In my opinion, the county attorney did not have authority to refuse the license,” Martinez stated. “My client was told the office would not accept the license while this case was pending.”
Assistant Charles County Attorney Matthew Claggett told the board, due to the impending show cause hearing, the board felt they shouldn’t accept the license, but he could make the request. “If the board under alcohol enforcement, if you fine Spice Club and its licensees, its liquor license is automatically revoked and they are prohibited,” Claggett stated. “They cannot get a liquor license in the state. This [attempt to return the license] was done at the very last minute. The licensee is trying to take easy way out.
“In our view, relocation is appropriate and desirable for the licensee to never hold a liquor license again,” he said.
“This matter does raise some legal questions,” Claggett added.
Board member Tomasina Coates stated, “We will accept the surrendered license, but make a note, they will never be allowed to hold a license in Charles County again.”
Martinez then surrendered the license to the board.
“We’re not the only county that has had this problem,” Board Chair Pamela Smith said. “There is no fine. If they’re walking out of here, they’re just walking out of here surrendering the license.”
“Losing the license is a big loss,” Claggett noted. “Some counties fine as opposed to loss of time or closure.”
“I don’t want to open that can of worms,” Smith said.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com