On Thursday, Nov. 13, St. Mary’s County Alcohol Review Board slammed the door on Boatman’s Restaurant and Sports Bar. The Ridge establishment had a number of violations occur from June though Sept. According to the board allegations, the restaurant and bar violated Section 5.04(k) of the rules and regulations in that witnesses complained that there were people drinking outside of the establishment.
Further allegations, violating 10-405 of Article 2B of the Annotated Code of Maryland, when one of the employees of the establishment took off her shirt behind the bar, exposing her breasts while waiting on patrons.
The third and final allegation was that the establishment violated Section 504(b) by allowing patrons and staff to smoke inside the restaurant.
Before hearing each of the complaints, the owner and license holder, Teresa M. Boatman of Avenue, asked the board if she were to turn in her license voluntarily, would the board proceed without ruling on each of the violations. The board debated Boatman’s proposal, but decided that they must investigate and rule on each of the allegations separately to determine guilt or innocence.
One by one, the board asked Boatman if the incidence occurred. For each, as asked, Boatman replied simply, “Yes.”
Prior to sentencing, the board read out the evidence. In each case, the evidence was provided via webcam recording at the establishment.
On the first violation, the restaurateur received a $500 fine. On the second, the door was slammed shut and the liquor license was immediately revoked. Penalty for the third violation was to have the license revoked once again.
When told she had 30 days to appeal, Boatman nodded and left the hearing room. Although swarmed by media, Boatman left without making any statement to the press.