Baltimore liquor board swears in new chair, approves dozens of liquor-license transfers and applications

Granville Templeton was sworn in as chair of the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City on Oct. 9, and the board approved a large group of license transfers, new restaurant licenses and 90-day transfer-hardship extensions.

The meeting opened with Templeton’s swearing-in and a series of acknowledgements. Templeton thanked outgoing Chairman Maturciani and Gov. Wes Moore for the reappointment that enabled his continuation on the board. The board also welcomed Commissioner Chambers and introduced David McGinnis as the board’s new chief inspector. Clerk Conaway administered the oath, and staff members including Assistant Executive Secretary Elizabeth Russell and others were acknowledged for logistical support.

Why it matters: licensing decisions determine which restaurants, bars and retailers can sell alcohol in neighborhoods across Baltimore City and often include conditions such as memoranda of understanding with neighborhood groups, continuation of outdoor table service, live entertainment approvals, or limits tied to capital investment and food-sales percentages. Many of the items on the Oct. 9 docket were routine transfers or approvals tied to community memoranda; one transfer generated sustained public comment over proximity to a church.

Public comment, statutory clarification and a contested transfer: During the hearing on the proposed transfer for Deep Liquors (2104 Frederick Avenue), resident James Turnbull told the board the store should not receive the permit and argued that…