LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Board of License Commissioners held a discussion on March 13 after Bayou Girl Drink Factory abruptly vacated its premises at 228 Rosewick Road in La Plata without returning its liquor license, raising concerns from the board about accountability.
Chairwoman Kathleen Quade expressed frustration over the situation, saying the business should face consequences.
“This needs to be investigated,” Quade said. “They basically emptied out the building in the middle of the night and left. I asked the clerk if they ever turned in the license, and they have not. I also asked alcohol enforcement to verify that the building was empty and to check if the license was still attached to the wall. They took everything but the wiring, and no license could be found.”
Bayou Girl announced its closure on social media the day after Christmas, Dec. 26, 2024, citing unforeseen circumstances. The business wrote:
“To all Bayou Girl supporters, it is with a heavy heart we announce our business will close indefinitely due to unforeseen circumstances. During this challenging time, I kindly ask for your prayers and support for my family. Thank you for your understanding and your loyalty. We appreciate you more than words can express.”
Quade emphasized that Bayou Girl held a privilege, not a right, to serve alcohol in Charles County and argued that the business should be required to appear before the board.
Zhypar Beishenalieva, the board attorney, advised that under state law, if a business vacates the premises, its liquor license can simply expire. Unless the license holder presents a valid reason, the board has no obligation to act beyond letting the license lapse during the renewal period.
Quade pushed back on the idea of allowing the license to expire without further action.
“My position is we gave someone a privilege to open a business in Charles County to serve alcohol,” Quade said. “If we just let the license expire and don’t bring them in for a show cause hearing, they could turn around and submit a new application.”
Board members debated the feasibility of enforcing a show cause order, ultimately determining that since the owner had left town, enforcement would be difficult.
See the Charles County Board of License Commissioners March 13, 2025, meeting here.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
ok, thats what happened
They workin da system bayou girl
Glad it’s gone
Was just another trashy place
These Charles county officials need to get their priorities together. The sky rocketing crime rate in Charles county needs attention not a closed business that didn’t turn in a paper license. What a joke !
Gave them the privilege to open a business…wow got love the arrogance.
Serving on the board is similarly a privilege, not a right! Get over yourselves, board.
And then the head of the Charles County License Board breaks the rules generating a show cause order without the board voting on it. Power mad much?