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Howard County approves new Class D license for Family Music Studio after testimony on safeguards
Summary
The Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board approved a new Class D beer, wine and liquor seven-day on-sale license for JHL Family Inc., trading as Family Music Studio (3240 Corporate Court, Suite F, Ellicott City). The board heard testimony about ID checks, bag searches, room rules for mixed-age groups and the business's prior licensing history.
The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board on June 24 granted a new Class D (beer, wine and liquor) seven-day on-sale license to JHL Family Inc., operating as Family Music Studio, at 3240 Corporate Court, Suite F, Ellicott City.
Martin Johnson of Maryland Liquor License Services, representing applicant Jung Hee (Junghi) Lee, told the board the business previously held a liquor license that lapsed April 30 after a missed renewal; the applicant is now applying for a new license. Johnson and the applicant described operations at the 2,800-square-foot venue, which rents eight private karaoke/music rooms by the hour and maintains a staffed front desk and a beverage cooler for immediate-service alcohol.
Johnson and supporter Scott Hahn described operational safeguards. Johnson told the board the business performs bag checks, keeps sealed stock in locked storage and provides alcohol only through the manned front desk. ‘‘Anybody who looks under 40 is going to be carded,’’ Johnson said, describing a written, house-level policy and a proposed safe-alcohol-service manual he will help prepare. Hahn, who testified in support, said he had observed staff refuse service and offer assistance to patrons who appeared impaired.
Applicant Jung Hee Lee testified she has owned the business since 2015, runs the operation with a manager (Julius Smallwood) and said she would be on-site at least 40 hours per week. Lee described operating hours of 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week as currently practiced and said she expects to continue close oversight, keep alcohol sales and employee records on-site and require government photo ID for patrons who appear under 40.
Board members pressed on safety and egress; Johnson said there is a single public entrance with a locked emergency exit that is not accessible from outside. The board discussed the business's house policies limiting alcohol in semi-private rooms when mixed-age groups are present: if anyone in a rented room is under 21, no alcohol is allowed in that room and patrons over 21 must consume alcohol at the lobby front desk.
Board members characterized the application as fit and proper, noting the establishment's prior licensing history and the applicant's described precautions. The motion to approve the new Class D license passed by recorded vote; Lee waived her right to appeal at the hearing.
