Board approves tavern license for indoor golf venue on Red Branch Road

The Howard County Alcohol Beverage Hearing Board approved a new Class D beer, wine and liquor seven-day on/off sale (tavern) license for S Eagle 5 Incorporated, doing business as 5 Eagle Golf, at 9198 Red Branch Road, Columbia.

Applicant Yoran Choi, who described the venue as an indoor golf facility with kitchen service and a full bar, told the board that food and beverage sales combined should meet the county food-sales requirement for a tavern license. Counsel for the applicant said food and beverage currently represent roughly 20 to 25% of total sales and that the venue has a kitchen and plans for “speed-oven” prepared items to increase food sales.

Board members asked about hours, the nature of beverage service and whether the location’s atmosphere would encourage heavy drinking. Choi and counsel said the venue is more family- and golf-oriented than a traditional bar; customers typically play golf or practice and consume modest amounts of alcohol during play. The applicant said the location historically operated as a restaurant-license location for several years and that there have been no alcohol-service violations on record.

After deliberation the board voted to grant the new Class D tavern license. The board noted the applicant’s commitment to install an updated point-of-sale system to accurately track food versus alcohol sales and to ensure managers and staff are alcohol-awareness certified.