Board grants Class B license to Taqueria El Molcajete in Eldersburg; outdoor seating and ID policies highlighted

The Carroll County Liquor Board voted to issue a new Class B (on‑sale) beer, wine and liquor license to Jose Luis Concha Fuentes for Taqueria El Molcajete, a Mexican restaurant on Liberty Road in Eldersburg.

Applicant representatives described an existing fenced outdoor dining area that was used under prior restaurant occupancy and said patio service would be controlled by servers (alcohol will be carried from an indoor bar area to outdoor tables rather than served from a separate outdoor bar). Applicant Jose Luis Concha Fuentes told the board the restaurant is prepared to require alcohol-awareness (TAMs) certification for staff who handle alcohol and implement an ID policy that cards patrons who appear under about 40 years old. Concha stated that about "20%" of customers ask for alcohol and that he expects alcohol sales to be a minority share of total revenue.

Consultant Martin Johnson, who worked with the applicant on licensing preparations, told the board he tested the applicant on ID verification and found him able to spot fraudulent IDs. The board discussed the particular challenge that the indoor space does not have direct line of sight to the patio; members emphasized manager oversight and patrols of the outdoor area and suggested clear signage and host seating control to prevent self‑seating.

A motion to grant the new Class B license passed by voice vote. The board instructed licensing staff and inspectors to monitor outdoor operations and to ensure all staff handling alcohol complete required training.