Leonardtown, MD — Should vape (electronic cigarette) shops have liquor licenses. The St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board (liquor board) says – “No!” On Thursday, Oct. 13 the board unanimously turned down a request for an on-sale beer license for Optimal Vapor located in the Laurel Glen Shopping Center in California. If it had been approved, it reportedly would have been the first vape shop in Maryland to have a liquor license.

Owner Mark Goodman explained that he wanted to have a bar area with stools to serve beer. He said only persons 21 years of age and older would be allowed to sit at the bar and he said a staff person would be dedicated to running the bar. He said people like to smoke and drink.

But Liquor Board Vice Chairman Linda Palchinsky immediately expressed concern about being able to keep those under the age of 21 from getting beer. She also noted that there was already a liquor store in the shopping center. ABC Liquors sits right next door to the vape shop. In addition, Nicoletti’s Pizza sits across the parking lot from the vape shop and also has a license.

Palchinsky wondered if there was any other shopping center in the county that had three licenses. Board Administrator Tammy Hildebrand said there may be some centers with chain restaurants that have liquor licenses.

The license was also opposed by the Licensed Beverage Association. David Dent, representing the association, testified that three licenses in one shopping center was too much. He also wondered what precedent an approval would give. Would every other vape shop seek a liquor license? Optimal Vapor also has a shop in the Leonardtown Centre.

Dent said that liquor licenses typically go to businesses in the hospitality industry and vape shops don’t fall into that category.

When asked to comment, Alcohol Enforcement Coordinator Cpl. James Stone said the county’s underage drinking campaign liked to keep minors away from drinking situations. He said, however, he had no advice about what the board should do.
“At this time I think it is too early. I am not comfort able approving this license,” said Board Chairman Ted Belleavoine in urging the denial that followed.

Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com