LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board on Thursday granted 90-day extensions to three businesses still working through construction, financing and permitting before opening under previously approved liquor licenses.
At its Nov. 13 meeting, the board extended conditional approvals for The Creek, McKays Grapes, Grains & Gatherings and Smash House after hearing updates from their owners on delays tied to inspections, landlord work and federal loan processing.
For The Creek, co-licensees Arthur Brinkley and Celeste Baird said they recently received approval for interior plumbing and gas work and are now waiting on installation and inspection of an outdoor grease trap before a final building inspection and use-and-occupancy permit can be issued.
Thomas McKay, seeking more time for McKay’s Grapes, Grains & Gatherings, told the board the project has been held up because the landlord has not yet turned over the building. He said the landlord’s contractor has been focused on opening a new grocery store and still has interior work to finish before his business can take possession.
Jonathan Arakelian, representing Smash House, said his project was slowed when an SBA loan application overlapped with the federal government shutdown. He said the loan was approved only last week, equipment has now been ordered, and he expects it will take several weeks for delivery and health and building inspections.
The board unanimously approved 90-day extensions for all three projects.
Watch the meeting below:
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