Board approves transfer of 1 Shot Liquors license to GK Inc. in Ellicott City

The Howard County Alcohol Board granted a transfer of a Class A seven-day off‑sale beer, wine and liquor license to GK Inc., doing business as 1 Shot Liquors, at 8801 Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City at its Feb. 25 hearing.

Bruce Kurlander, counsel for the applicants, introduced two primary applicants: Ki Ping (Qiping) Liao, who testified she is president and holds 90% of GK Inc., and Lewis Park, who testified he holds 10% and is vice president. Both applicants were sworn and described their roles in operating the retail business. Liao said she currently works at the store and supervises inventory, cashiering and cleaning; Park said he assists with inventory, restocking and cashiering.

Liao testified the business will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and currently employs four people; she said two additional employees were enrolling in alcohol awareness training. Both Liao and Park said they would ensure staff complete Howard County alcohol‑awareness certification. Liao disclosed prior experience as a licensee at other establishments and noted a historical citation at a prior location; she said the incident occurred while another manager was on duty and that she remained responsible at the time.

Board members asked questions about staffing plans, manager coverage and identification checks. Park confirmed the store will check state ID, driver's licenses, passports, green cards and military IDs when appropriate and said he would step in to cover shifts as needed. Counsel and applicants said current owners will have no ongoing financial interest after the transfer.

A board member moved to grant the transfer; the motion passed on roll call with votes in favor from Steve Chen; Mr. Coleman; Steve Hunt; Ms. Johnson; and Ms. Kim. The applicants waived the right to appeal at the hearing. The board recorded no conditions beyond continued compliance with the board’s rules and regulations.