Germantown beer board approves Cha Lin Thai on‑premise permit and two temporary permits for fundraising events

The Germantown Beer Board on Monday approved three beer‑sales permits after public hearings: an on‑premise beer permit for Cha Lin Thai Cuisine, 7867 Farmington Boulevard, and temporary on‑premise permits for the Grand Cru of Luxor (June 4) and the Grand Cru of Ramet (June 1) at the Great Hall & Conference Center. All three motions passed by roll call vote.

Cha Lin Thai Cuisine: applicant Satache Vyonde Rabat applied for an on‑premise beer sales permit for the restaurant located in a T5 zoning district where beer sales for on‑site consumption are permitted subject to beer board approval. During the hearing Alderman Sanders questioned the applicant about employee training and server licensing. The owner said this is his first business, that staff will be trained to check IDs and refuse service to minors, and that he planned to complete state server training “sometime next week.” Alderman Sanders emphasized the importance of thorough training and noted that state and local agencies perform periodic compliance checks.

Temporary permits for nonprofit fundraisers: the board also approved temporary on‑premise beer permits for two fundraising events held at the Great Hall & Conference Center. The Grand Cru of Luxor was approved for an event on June 4 with proceeds benefiting three children’s charities; the Grand Cru of Ramet was approved for an event on June 1 with proceeds benefiting Ramette‑affiliated children’s charities. For both organizations Alderman Sanders said the state has already recognized their nonprofit status, the applicants provided IRS documentation, and each event listed licensed servers who had completed state training.

Board guidance and enforcement: Alderman Sanders reiterated that the board’s primary concerns are preventing sales to minors and avoiding over‑service. He cautioned new licensees that violations can require a return before the beer board and urged rigorous staff training. The board issued the permits with standard conditions; fee reconciliation or licensing paperwork will also be completed with the clerk’s office prior to active service.

Votes and immediate outcomes: - Cha Lin Thai Cuisine (on‑premise beer permit, 7867 Farmington Blvd.): motion to approve by Alderman Sanders; second by Vice Mayor Gibson; roll call vote recorded all yes; permit approved pending fee reconciliation and licensing paperwork. - Grand Cru of Luxor (temporary permit for 06/04/2025 at Great Hall & Conference Center): motion to approve by Alderman Sanders; second by Alderman Hicks; unanimous roll call yes; permit issued. - Grand Cru of Ramet (temporary permit for 06/01/2025 at Great Hall & Conference Center): motion to approve by Alderman Sanders; second by Alderman Hicks; unanimous roll call yes; permit issued.

What was said on the record: the applicant for Cha Lin Thai confirmed he will serve as manager and pursue server training before starting alcohol service. Alderman Sanders: “We as a beer board in Germantown are concerned with sale to underage individuals and also over‑service to clients … I just encourage you to be thorough with that training.”

Next steps: the Cha Lin Thai applicant will complete required state training and finalize fee reconciliation and licensing with the clerk’s office before beginning on‑site alcohol service. The temporary permits holders were given their permits and were wished success for their fundraising events.