LA PLATA, Md. — An application from Portside Liquors in the Bryans Road area to begin alcohol delivery in Charles County was withdrawn Thursday, April 9, 2026, after officials revealed the business had been delivering alcohol without board approval, including an alleged delivery to a 17-year-old using an ID belonging to a 56-year-old.
The request, submitted by Jignesh Chauhan, Kapil Gulati and Michael P. Disharoon of KAH Port Side Liquor Store LLC, trading as Portside Liquors, sought approval for retail delivery of alcoholic beverages from the business located at 6967 Indian Head Highway, Bryans Road, MD 20616.
Attorney David Martinez of Jenkins Law Firm represented the applicants before the Charles County Board of License Commissioners, as the request reflects growing interest among local businesses following the board’s initial approval of alcohol delivery in 2025.
During questioning by Chairman Matthew Darden, Gulati was asked directly whether the business was currently delivering alcohol.
“Yes, we do from other websites,” he said.
Following the admission, Martinez appeared surprised and quickly addressed his clients.
“Well, you can’t deliver if we don’t have permission to deliver,” he said.
Board members emphasized that alcohol delivery is prohibited without prior authorization and pointed to the county’s only approved operation, which has spent the past year under strict oversight.
Liquor Outlet Waldorf remains the sole business in Charles County authorized to deliver alcohol following its approval in March 2025, serving as the county’s model by appearing before the board monthly and operating under strict guidelines as officials continue refining the process.
After acknowledging the unauthorized deliveries, Gulati apologized during the exchange.
“So we not do it from today. I’m sorry for that,” he said.
“I don’t think you get away with ‘I’m sorry for that,’” board member Michelle Jones said. “You broke the rules pretty severely.”
Sheriff’s Testimony Details Alleged Violations
After the admission, board members called on Master Cpl. Bourgeois to address whether deliveries had occurred during recent inspections.
Master Cpl. Bourgeois told the board he conducted an investigation and personally observed a delivery.
“I went to a home and watched them come out and actually deliver the alcohol,” Bourgeois said.
According to Bourgeois, the delivery involved a minor.
“They delivered alcohol to a 17-year-old child who showed a 56-year-old’s ID,” he said. “The guy who sold the alcohol was 20.”
Following the testimony, Martinez moved to withdraw the application before further action could be taken, a decision board members supported.
“I think that is a good idea,” board member Michelle Jones said, adding that the move appeared to be an effort to protect the business.
As he withdrew the application, Martinez acknowledged the situation could lead to further action by the board.
“I think we’ll withdraw our application at the moment,” he said. “And then we’ll just see what happens from here… if there’s a show cause coming, then we’ll have to address it.”
During his testimony, Bourgeois added that an incident report documenting the investigation has been completed and is ready.
“I’ve written a report on this. It’s ready to go,” he said.
Portside Liquors is located at 6967 Indian Head Highway in Bryans Road.
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“17-year-old using an ID belonging to a 56-year-old”
That must be a rough 17..
Approving them in the future will be a danger to society. They’ve already shown the don’t and won’t follow the rules and regulations. Their current license should be scrutinized closely. They shouldn’t be in business at all being that lax.