What started as noise complaints about CJ’s in Lusby resulted in an inquiry by the Calvert County Board of License Commissioners, commonly called the “Liquor Board,” during its Thursday evening session.
Board Chairman J. Allen Swann told CJ’s owner Michael Ricker to “be aware that we’re going to watch the noise and outside consumption of alcohol.” The board also required him to present a plan — within 30 days — addressing their concerns and those of the Calvert County Department of Planning and Zoning.
After receiving the original complaints, Swann visited CJ’s several times at different hours, observing “people standing outside consuming alcohol. At times the door was open and a band playing inside,” Swann said. “I’m concerned about the noise, and that there has been a change in the character of the business beyond what we approved a license for. Your business has expanded a lot that we do not have on any diagrams. The Planning and Zoning Office also has problems.”
He continued, “There is no approved outside area for drinking, and from what I saw you don’t seem to be serving much food.” Ricker said the establishment’s food business is 42-47 percent of the total, to which Swann responded, “That’s not enough. It has to be at least 50 percent.”
In the end, the board required Ricker to address these concerns and report at the May 26 meeting. “The outside drinking has to stop unless you get an approved area,” said Swann, and the noise has to be kept inside. You’ve got to operate with the rules of this board and the Planning and Zoning Department.”
In other action, the board:
