Council delays decision on delivery permit for Samosas & Spirits, asks applicant to consult neighborhood

Councilors discussed a second licensing request from Samosas and Spirits — a delivery permit that would allow the licensed establishment to deliver alcohol off the premises (agenda item 25‑G‑70). After a detailed staff and counsel briefing on county delivery rules, council members asked that the applicant conduct further outreach to neighborhood groups before the city transmits formal support or opposition to the county board.

City staff and the applicant’s attorney explained Prince George’s County rules that govern alcohol delivery: deliveries must originate on the licensed premises, be made by the licensee’s employees (no third‑party delivery by DoorDash/Uber Eats is permitted in the county), and require age verification and dual authentication of card and ID at both the time of order and at delivery. The applicant’s counsel summarized that while state law authorizes third‑party delivery in some circumstances, the Prince George’s County board currently prohibits third‑party delivery of alcohol and that delivery permits have been handled by board rule (RR23 and RR76 were discussed).

Several councilmembers voiced concerns about off‑campus student housing and other residences with multiple occupants, and asked that the applicant consult the North College Park Civic Association and nearby apartment management before the city takes any position. Council directed staff to ask the applicant to return in a later meeting with evidence of neighborhood outreach; council did not take action on the delivery permit at the meeting.

Attorneys and staff pointed out that delivery is already being performed by some licensees outside the city limits (licenses issued in nearby jurisdictions can deliver into College Park) and that city enforcement would rely on property‑use agreements and county licensing enforcement should violations occur. Council also requested further clarification from staff on how the city would maintain chain‑of‑custody for footage and how delivery compliance would be verified if the permit were granted.

Next steps: applicant was asked to conduct outreach with neighborhood groups; staff will return the item to a future council meeting after the applicant provides documentation of outreach and after staff can brief council on proposed delivery boundaries or other conditions.