Board approves Potomac Speedway beer license, allows extended serving area for grandstand events

The Alcoholic Beverage Board of Saint Mary's County unanimously approved an application June 12 for a class D beer on-sale only license and an extension-of-premises request for Potomac Speedway Fast Lane Promotions LLC.

Applicants David Williams and Joan Williams told the board they plan to sell beer from two serving windows during race events at the track at 27963 Buds Creek Road in Mechanicsville and to add a second serving station when crowds warrant. Joan Williams described the setup as a stand with two windows and said the extension would cover the grandstand area where spectators sit.

Board members questioned the applicants about controlled entry, fencing between the parking/pit areas and the grandstand, signage, ID checks and staff training. The applicants said they would require 100 percent ID checks, use wristbands for patrons, limit alcohol to the grandstand (not pit areas) and post county signage. They also said two state troopers typically are on duty during races and that they had obtained a breath-testing device for drivers if needed.

“Again, we always, 100% ID check. We're gonna do the wristbands,” one applicant said during the hearing. The board placed no additional conditions on the approval and encouraged the applicants to obtain their license paperwork promptly. Administrators told the applicants they could pick up the license application materials and were ready to issue a license the next day.

The board's vote was recorded as unanimous; members said they were satisfied with the applicants' plans for fencing, staff, signage and coordination with law enforcement.