Board conditionally approves River Downs Golf Club’s class C liquor license

The Board of License Commissioners of Carroll County conditionally approved a Class C beer, wine and liquor license on Feb. 11 for River Downs Inc., operators of River Downs Golf Club in Finksburg.

Applicants Clarinda and Rafikul Islam told the board they plan phased openings for the property: the driving range as early as March 1 and the full course and clubhouse later in the season, with an estimated playable date in July 2026. Clarinda Islam described the clubhouse and restaurant footprint: about 3,000 square feet for the clubhouse with roughly 2,200 square feet devoted to the restaurant and about 800 square feet of kitchen space. Indoor seating was described as approximately 52 seats (patio seating is additional). She said planned restaurant hours are roughly 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the restaurant open to the public and beverage carts operating on the course.

Applicants told the board they have submitted a zoning variance application (hearing scheduled later in the month) and that the health department conducted an initial inspection with a reinspection pending to clear findings such as light covers and caulking. Witnesses and neighbors who attended testified in support; the applicants also provided a business plan and pledged to perform required training for servers.

Commissioners praised the applicants’ business plan and community outreach. A motion to approve the Class C license was made with conditions requiring the zoning administrator to grant the requested variance and that all inspections/permits be satisfied before full use. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The board’s approval allows River Downs to proceed toward reopening as long as the stated conditions are met. The applicants said they would finalize staffing, certification and remaining permits before opening.