Board approves liquor-license transfers and temporary premises extensions with conditions

The Alcohol Beverage Board of St. Mary's County on March 12, 2026 approved multiple license transfers and temporary premise extensions subject to standard conditions including land-use permits, tax clearance and fire-marshal approval.

An applicant recorded in the minutes as Rugu Kalia sought to transfer a Class A1 beer/wine/liquor license to operate as King's Liquor (previously TJ Liquors). Kalia told the board the business would continue current operations and emphasized plans for employee training and consistent ID checks. The board approved the transfer conditioned on submission of a business license/UNO and related documentation within the customary 90-day contingency period.

Angela/Angie Watson presented a separate application to transfer a Class D beer/wine/liquor license for PTOIC Garden and requested permission for an outdoor-service extension. Watson said she had consolidated ownership and that operations would remain largely unchanged; the board approved the transfer contingent on tax clearance and fire-marshal sign-off.

Southern Trail Distillery owner Richard Copsy requested temporary extensions of the distillery's premises for three annual events (Spring Shine Festival on May 9, 2026; Fall Market on Oct. 3, 2026; Winter Market on Dec. 5, 2026) and a separate "Bats and Booze" event on Oct. 24, 2026. Copsy described fencing, ID-band procedures, and security staffing used in prior years. The board approved the premise modifications and event-serving counters on condition that the applicant obtain the requisite special-event permits from land use.

All approvals were recorded as motions with seconds and passed by voice vote; the minutes reflect unanimous approval for each conditional grant. Board staff reminded applicants of documentation requirements and timelines for completing contingencies.

The board did not report any immediate enforcement actions against the transferring licensees; conditions are intended to ensure continued compliance with county requirements.