Board conditionally approves El Agula/ODJ LLC license; requires on-site resident agent

The Howard County Alcohol Beverage Hearing Board voted to approve a new Class B beer, wine and liquor on- and off-sale license for ODJ LLC (operating as El Agula) at 10035 Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City, conditioning the grant on an amended application that names the on-site manager as the resident agent.

Counsel and the applicants described the business plan and training: owner Dario Orianna and his son said they operate existing El Agula locations in Montgomery County and plan to open the Ellicott City restaurant around Oct. 14–15. Owner Dario Orianna told the board, "We hope we open on the, October 15," and outlined a management and training plan that includes an on-site manager and alcohol-awareness training for staff.

Board members pressed applicants about past compliance records at other locations. An investigator noted Montgomery County records showing age-violation findings in 2016–17 and flagged an apparent 2023 entry; applicants said they were not aware of the 2023 item and acknowledged earlier citations but said they were addressing labeling and premix documentation. Commissioners said those issues justified naming the on-site manager as resident agent; counsel agreed to amend the application and waive appeal on the record. The board then approved the application with that condition.

The board asked for a pre-opening health inspection and emphasized that alcohol purchases must be from authorized wholesalers and that records must be maintained per the county rules.