Panel reviews proposed alcohol-license changes including 7-day consolidation, salon and B&B licenses

Washington County committee members discussed several proposed changes to local alcohol licensing rules: a plan to consolidate existing six-day and Sunday licenses into a single seven-day license with a combined fee, and proposals to create limited bed-and-breakfast and salon licenses.

Under the consolidation plan, licensees now holding separate six-day and special Sunday permits would instead hold one license covering Monday through Sunday with consistent hours; the proposal would combine fees (examples mentioned converted separate fees totaling $1,000). Committee members said the consolidation is intended to simplify administration so licensees would not need repeated board approvals for occasional Sunday openings.

Separate drafts would create a limited license for bed-and-breakfast establishments and a limited salon license. Members flagged operational concerns for salons — for example, how a small salon would obtain and store beer or wine and whether distributors would deliver small quantities. Committee members also discussed the three-tier alcohol distribution system and recalled past pandemic-era efforts to ease delivery restrictions for small licensees; members said the comptroller’s office enforces distribution rules and that any change would need to avoid violating that system.

The licensing board indicated it would provide financial statements and a balance sheet requested by committee members to inform deliberations on fees. No formal votes were taken; staff said they will circulate draft bills and financial documents when available.

Ending: Committee members asked the licensing board to submit the requested financials and the blueback drafts for further review before any decision.