Twist Wine and Spirits transfer approved conditionally; board also grants 365‑day tasting permit

The Alcohol Beverage Board of St. Mary's County on Sept. 11 approved the transfer of Twist Wine and Spirits' Class A‑1 beer, wine and liquor license to Mukesh (Mukesh Kumar) Agarwal, subject to a 90‑day conditional approval requiring a business license, occupancy permit (U&O), health department sign‑off, fire marshal approval, and required county and state training. The board also approved a 365‑day special privilege tasting permit for the same location.

Applicant Mukesh Agarwal told the board he previously owned a beer and wine store in Virginia and plans to take required Maryland training; he said his wife will assist in operations and that both plan to take state vendor/retailer training. The board clarified that training deadlines and other contingencies are covered under board regulations and that applicants have 90 days to provide required documentation.

On the tasting permit, board members reviewed portion limits and disposal requirements for leftover product and confirmed the permit allows the licensee to conduct tastings directly or to host vendors (vendors conduct tastings under their own license). The board approved the tasting permit by voice vote.

The transfer and tasting permit were both approved conditionally; the board reminded applicants of appeal rights to the circuit court for St. Mary's County if any party with standing wishes to challenge the decision within 30 days.