The Alcohol Beverage Board (ABB) of St. Mary’s County has revoked the liquor license of Big Dogs’ Paradise Bar & Liquor, located on the 28000 block of Three Notch Road in Mechanicsville, following multiple alcohol violations. The penalties, finalized on Thursday, December 12, come after an investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division Alcohol Enforcement Unit.
Penalties Imposed by the Board
The Alcohol Beverage Board imposed two significant penalties on the establishment:
- 30-Day Suspension: The bar’s liquor license has been suspended for 30 days. Notices of the suspension are posted on the premises and will remain in place for the entirety of the suspension period.
- Permanent Revocation: After the 30-day suspension, the bar’s liquor license will be permanently revoked, effective on the 31st day. Notices of the revocation will remain posted at the site for 30 days after the revocation date.
These penalties effectively terminate the bar’s ability to serve or sell alcohol, with strict enforcement measures already in place.
Violations That Led to the Penalties
The ABB found Big Dogs’ Paradise Bar & Liquor guilty of several infractions under Maryland’s Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article. The violations include:
- Illegal Drive-Through Alcohol Sales:
- On June 19, 2024, the establishment sold alcohol through a drive-through window, violating Section 28-1603 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
- On March 24, 2023, multiple instances of illegal drive-through alcohol sales were documented, also violating Section 28-1603.
- Underage Alcohol Sales:
- On March 24, 2023, alcohol was sold to a person under the age of 21, violating Section 6-304 of the Annotated Code of Maryland and Section 5.04(j) of the Alcohol Beverage Board’s rules and regulations.
Enforcement Actions
Following the ABB’s ruling, the Sheriff’s Office Alcohol Enforcement Coordinator recovered the liquor license from Big Dogs’ Paradise Bar & Liquor and returned it to the Board. This action ensures that the penalties are enforced and the establishment cannot engage in further alcohol sales during or after the suspension period.
Broader Implications
The decision highlights the Alcohol Beverage Board’s commitment to maintaining strict compliance with state and local alcohol laws. The board’s actions underscore the serious consequences businesses face when failing to adhere to regulations designed to protect public safety.
As businesses navigate Maryland’s alcohol laws, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance to maintain operating privileges.
