Prince Frederick, MD – The chairman of the Calvert County Liquor Board admitted the situation posed a problem for him. During the board’s Thursday, Feb. 25 meeting, a violation pertaining to the sale of alcohol to a minor was scheduled for review. The violator was County Commissioner Steve Weems (pictured, left), owner of Wemyss Liquors in St. Leonard.

Chairman Robert Arscott called the matter “touchy” since he and Weems are good friends. Board member Beth Swoap, a St. Leonard resident, also admitted she was a friend of Weems, and like Arscott, felt she should abstain from hearing the case.

The panel’s third member, Ruth Reid, was absent. Alternate Jack Smack was present but without at least two members to consider the issue, Arscott stated “it might be better to postpone.”

Weems’ attorney, Larry Cumberland, told the board that having only one member consider the matter would be acceptable to his client. With Arscott and Swoap leaving the room, Smack conducted the inquiry.

“We don’t intend to contest, we know there was a violation,” said Cumberland, who explained the violation occurred “before the big snow storm.”

Cumberland explained that a sheriff’s deputy familiar to Weems entered the store accompanied by a young man who “looked to be of age.” The young man attempted to purchase alcohol and Weems, assuming that anyone accompanied by a deputy and trying to purchase alcohol would be 21 or over, sold it without checking the young man’s identification. It turns out the young man was a minor.

Cumberland told Smack his client is “embarrassed” by the incident. “Mr. Weems is a well-respected member of the community” who opposes underage drinking.

“We have to be aware at all times,” said Smack. “We have to check.”

Of Weems, Cumberland stated, “he’s here to take his medicine.”
Smack imposed a $250 fine and suspended Wemyss’ license for two days. The suspension will be held in abeyance and will be rescinded provided Wemyss Liquors has no violations for a year. Should that occur the suspension would be imposed.

In other matters, the board
Levied a small fine on R & J Liquors for a TIPS and TAMS violation
Approved an application for a change in officer for Outback Steakhouse’ Class B “on sale” of beer wine and liquor license
And approved a change in class of license for Neil’s Wine and Spirits of Owings to Class D (on sale beer, wine and liquor license).

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com