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On Thursday, July 12, 2012, the St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board fined the owners of the Loveville Tavern $1900. The fine stems from a May 26, 2012 incident that required that the Police shut down both sides of Route 5.

The board found the licensees guilty of three violations: having patrons on the premises in excess of the capacity established by the State Fire Marshal’s Office; Consumption of alcoholic beverages outside the licensed premises; Conduct contrary to the peace and safety of the community.

The board heard testimony from two St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s officers who reported at least twelve patrons outside the establishment drinking and an estimated 190 patrons inside the tavern. The officer’s testified they observed a patron having a seizure outside the tavern and requested EMS. Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad was dispatched at 1:09 a.m. however the patient refused medical services.

The officers went on to testify a fight started inside the tavern than moved outside causing the response of 10 additional officers and shutting down both lanes of Route 5 until the crowd dispersed.

The owners testified their bouncers “ticker counter” showed 156 people were admitted into the tavern and admitted they were under staffed that particular night.

The board took a fifteen minute recess following the testimony, and then adjourned to announce a total fine of $1900 for the three violations.