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Howard County board approves liquor license for Korean Barbecue Columbia
Summary
The Howard County Alcohol Board voted unanimously to grant a Class B (beer, wine and liquor) seven‑day on‑sale license to Charo Columbia LLC (Korean Barbecue Columbia). Board members expressed concerns about on‑site management and local hiring but approved the application after applicants described family business support and training plans.
Howard County Alcohol Board Chair Chen and fellow board members voted unanimously March 25 to approve a Class B (beer, wine and liquor) seven‑day on‑sale license for Charo Columbia LLC, the applicant behind Korean Barbecue Columbia.
The license was granted after applicants Jong Yin Han and Nam Tran testified about plans to operate a full‑service Korean barbecue restaurant at an approximately 5,595‑square‑foot location in Columbia, saying they would provide table grills, on‑site service and sell beer, wine and liquor. Chrissy Chang, who assisted the applicants as a consultant/interpreter, joined their testimony online.
The Board’s discussion centered on management and experience concerns. Mr. Hunt, a board member, said he was “really concerned” about the applicants’ lack of prior ownership experience and the absence of a clearly identified, experienced on‑site manager. Jong Yin Han replied that the operation is a family business and that a district manager who oversees the applicants’ other locations would be on site for opening and early operations to help train staff. Han said the couple expects approximately 50 customers at peak capacity and estimated alcohol would be about 30% of sales at this location, similar to their Rockville operation. She also stated that managers and servers would complete alcohol awareness training and that a printed copy of the liquor‑awareness handbook would be kept on the premises.
Board member concerns focused on who would manage day‑to‑day operations and whether the applicants would hire locally. Mr. Coleman moved to approve the license and Chair Chen seconded; the vote was 5‑0 in favor (Chair Chen: yes; Mr. Coleman: yes; Mr. Hunt: yes; Ms. Johnson: yes; Ms. Kim: yes). The applicants waived their right to appeal at the meeting.
The board recorded that applicants will be responsible for compliance with Howard County alcohol rules, and members reminded the applicants that annual renewals and potential enforcement proceedings create follow‑up accountability if problems arise. Applicants said they plan to transition to managing full time once construction and opening are complete and to hire managers from their family’s existing restaurants to oversee opening.
The board did not impose additional conditions at the time of approval. The applicants were advised to maintain training records and follow Howard County liquor regulations and to work with licensing staff on pre‑opening inspections and final compliance steps.
Votes at a glance: Charo Columbia LLC — motion to approve Class B (beer, wine, liquor) seven‑day on‑sale license; mover: Mr. Coleman; second: Chair Chen; vote: 5 yes, 0 no; outcome: approved. Applicants waived appeal.
