Caroline County liquor board approves temporary event licenses, corrects restaurant license and adopts three‑year administrative authorizaton

The Caroline County Board of License Commissioners on March 25 approved a string of temporary licensed‑premise expansions for community events, corrected a clerical error on a restaurant liquor license and adopted a three‑year administrative authorization to streamline recurring event approvals.

The board approved Denton Volunteer Fire Company’s application for a multi‑event temporary alcohol license. Ronald Weaver, who identified himself as treasurer for the Denton Volunteer Fire Company, told the board the group submitted a 2026 application for 10 events and expects increased involvement this year. ‘‘The first event will be on June 6 for our annual gun bash,’’ Weaver said. Staff confirmed the application package, site plan and current alcohol‑awareness certifications were on file. A commissioner moved to approve the multi‑event license and the motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners also addressed a clerical inconsistency in a restaurant’s license. Board staff said the business was issued a license under El Chupacabra LLC while operating as El Chupacabra Restaurant LLC; SDAT records show the first entity had been dissolved and the restaurant‑named entity is in good standing. Guadalupe Galindo, representing the restaurant, described the mistake as an attorney‑created filing used only to obtain an EIN and said ownership and operations have not changed. Staff cited the board’s regulations allowing substitution of information and the board voted to add the word "restaurant" to the license name.

Galindo then requested a one‑day licensed‑premise extension for an El Chupacabra bike show set for April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. She presented a site plan, town approval for street and parking arrangements, police sign‑off for closures, barricade plans and wristbands for patrons 21 and older. She told the board there is no rain date and the event would be canceled if it rains. Commissioners pressed on barricade placement, staffing to monitor the enclosed area, and parking for displayed bikes. A motion to approve the extension passed by voice vote.

The American Legion Caroline Post 29 received approval for two events: a bike show planned for May 16, 2026 (1–6 p.m.) and an annual turkey shoot on March 29, 2026 (12:30–4:30 p.m.). A representative explained proceeds will support veterans and children and described planned controls including wristbands, ID checks, barricades, a beer wagon, a food truck and a live band. Commissioners noted the post’s long history of similar events and no recent compliance issues; both temporary‑premise extensions were approved by voice vote.

Separately, the board adopted a three‑year administrative authorization that allows the board administrator to approve recurring temporary licensed‑premise extensions at the same location for the same type of event without requiring the licensee to reappear before the board, provided specified conditions are met. Commissioners agreed to add an explicit notification window requiring licensees to notify the board administrator at least seven days before each event. Staff said the authorization would expire three years from issuance and that it can be revoked or require reappearance at the board’s discretion.

In other business, the board administrator reported recent temporary licenses and upcoming license‑renewal deadlines; renewal packages were mailed Feb. 9 and staff will contact licensees and the comptroller’s office about outstanding tax delinquencies. The board adjourned at the close of the agenda.

Votes at a glance
- Denton Volunteer Fire Company: multi‑event temporary license (10 events) — motion made by Commissioner (speaker 6), seconded by Commissioner (speaker 2); approved by voice vote; vote count not specified in transcript.
- El Chupacabra restaurant: clerical name correction to add "restaurant" — motion made by Staff/Commissioner; approved by voice vote; count not specified.
- El Chupacabra bike show (04/18/2026, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.): licensed‑premise extension — motion by Commissioner (speaker 6), seconded by Commissioner (speaker 2); approved by voice vote; count not specified.
- American Legion Post 29 bike show (05/16/2026, 1–6 p.m.): licensed‑premise extension — motion by Commissioner (speaker 2), seconded; approved by voice vote; count not specified.
- American Legion Post 29 turkey shoot (03/29/2026, 12:30–4:30 p.m.): licensed‑premise extension and three‑year recurring approval — motioned and approved by voice vote; count not specified.
- Three‑year administrative authorization for recurring temporary extensions (with amendment requiring 7‑day prior notice): motion by Commissioner (speaker 6), seconded by Commissioner (speaker 2); approved by voice vote; count not specified.

The board’s approvals were recorded as voice votes in the meeting transcript; specific roll‑call tallies were not provided in the record.