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Board approves transfer of Sonoma's Bar and Grill license to Jacob Spain's Jaybird Bar LLC
Summary
The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board approved transfer of a Class B/D seven-day on-sale license for Sonoma's Bar and Grill in Columbia from Calcutta Inc. to Jaybird Bar LLC (owner Jacob Spain). The board heard the applicant's business plan, staffing and training commitments and voted to approve the transfer.
The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board on June 24 approved the transfer of the Class B (beer, wine and liquor) seven-day on-sale license for Sonoma's Bar and Grill at 7284 East Crater Rock Way, Columbia, to Jaybird Bar LLC, owned by Jacob (Jake) Spain.
Spain, appearing pro se, told the board he is the sole owner of Jaybird Bar LLC and described his experience operating the Bagel Bin in Ellicott City and plans to expand Sonoma's service and hours while retaining experienced Sonoma staff. He said he will bring a principal manager from his existing business to manage kitchen operations, maintain certification tracking and be on-site full time.
Spain said he earned an alcohol-awareness certificate, will require staff training and planned to open earlier to add lunch service, change weekday hours and extend weekend hours. He described plans to maintain rigorous ID checks and said the existing head bartender and long-tenured staff at Sonoma's would remain in place. "I will create and enforce a culture of carding those who look under 40, and I will not tolerate overserving our guests," Spain said.
Board members asked about management, certification tracking and operational hours; Spain said he plans to be on-site full time, keep certification records and rely on a trusted manager for kitchen responsibilities. He confirmed that the Bagel Bin remains open and that he is no longer the day-to-day manager there.
Board members praised Spain's organization and community ties; several members noted his prior local business experience and support for the village-center concept. The motion to approve the license transfer carried by recorded vote; Spain waived his right to appeal at the hearing.
