Baltimore City liquor board approves multiple transfers, reopenings and hardship extensions; nonprofit license cleared with neighborhood MOU

The Baltimore City Board of Liquor License Commissioners on Nov. 6 approved a series of license transfers, reopenings and hardship extension requests, and granted a new Class C license to a nonprofit arts organization subject to a neighborhood memorandum of understanding.

The board opened by noting two cases were postponed, then moved through applications for new licenses, requests to reopen closed premises and transfers of existing licenses. Several licensees also participated in the board’s monetary‑penalty‑in‑lieu program by admitting violations and paying fines, the board said.

Why it matters: The actions permit restaurants and small businesses to reopen or continue serving alcohol, preserve longstanding neighborhood businesses and formalize limited alcohol service for a nonprofit arts venue under a community agreement.

Most significant actions

- Don Lee (secured creditor) — The board approved a 180‑day hardship extension for the Class A7 beer, wine and liquor license after counsel explained administrative transfer timelines and that a prospective buyer may file a transfer application within weeks. The chair moved to approve and commissioners concurred.

- Nacho Mama (Jacqueline F. McCusker, trustee) — The trustee requested and the board approved a 180‑day hardship extension for the Class B (D7) beer, wine and liquor license while a transfer is pursued; counsel said a transfer application is likely within 30 days.

- Bertha’s Soul Food Bar and Grill — After counsel said tax and financial obligations had been resolved, the board voted to reopen the restaurant’s Class B beer, wine and liquor license under the statute governing premises closed for three consecutive months.

- Hama Sushi (Malcolm Stoll; Yongdong Chen) — The board approved a new Class B beer, wine and liquor restaurant license with outdoor table service and off‑premises catering. Counsel said the application met statutory thresholds, including the $200,000 capital investment and minimum seating requirement cited in the application materials; the board relied on the application, counsel’s proffers and admitted exhibits.

- Central Baltimore Partnership (405 East Oliver Street) — The nonprofit’s application for a new Class C beer, wine and liquor license to serve alcohol outdoors in a courtyard during gallery and performance events was approved subject to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Greenmount West Community Association dated Oct. 30, 2025. Counsel referenced 2024 legislation that created the relevant license category. One commissioner stated on the record that they would recuse themselves from the vote because of a prior contractor relationship with the nonprofit; the board approved the license with the MOU described as enforceable by law.

- Circus Bar (transfer with adult entertainment) — The board approved transfer of a Class BD7 beer, wine and liquor license and a Class AE adult entertainment license, with continuation of live entertainment.

- Hellman Kababi (Khaliq Ahmad; Mohammad Hamad) — The board approved a transfer of the Class B beer, wine and liquor license and granted permission for off‑premises catering; counsel and applicants described continuity of management and prior ownership changes following the previous owner’s death.

- Park Avenue Pharmacy (reopen) — The board granted a request to reopen a Class A license after the applicant said a partner had been out of town and signatures were delayed; the applicant said the premises had been a community pharmacy for decades and that staff had completed required alcohol‑service training.

Monetary penalties and compliance

At the start of the docket the board announced several licensees who had participated in the monetary penalty‑in‑lieu program by admitting violations and paying fines. Examples listed included Stuggies Inc. (rule 3.052 alcohol awareness certification; fine $600), Pierpoint Restaurant (records violations; fine $600) and Gus’s Sports Bar (sanitation and safety violation; fine $500).

What the board said

Counsel for multiple applicants, Stephen W. Fogelman, described applicants’ experience and compliance training and noted documentary evidence in the record. On the nonprofit license he said the organization had an MOU with the neighborhood association and intended limited event‑based service. Applicant Khaliq Ahmad said he took over Hellman Kababi after the prior owner’s death and intended to continue operations.

Votes at a glance

- Don Lee (Class A7 hardship extension): approved (180 days) — motion made by the chair; commissioners concurred. - Nacho Mama / Pizza Oil Inc. (Class B D7 hardship extension): approved (180 days) — motion made by the chair; commissioners concurred. - Bertha’s Soul Food Bar and Grill (reopen Class B): approved — motion made by the chair; commissioners concurred. - Hama Sushi LLC (new Class B restaurant license, outdoor service, off‑premises catering): approved — motion made by the chair; commissioners concurred. - Central Baltimore Partnership (new Class C license, subject to Oct. 30 MOU): approved; one commissioner recused — motion made by the chair; remaining commissioners concurred. - Circus Bar (transfer, Class BD7 and Class AE, continuation of live entertainment): approved — motion made by the chair; commissioners concurred. - Hellman Kababi (transfer with off‑premises catering): approved — motion made by the chair; commissioners concurred. - Park Avenue Pharmacy (reopen Class A): approved — motion made by the chair; commissioners concurred.

Limitations and next steps

The board’s approvals were made on the record based on application materials, proffers by counsel and admitted exhibits. Where the board approved licenses subject to written agreements (for example, the Central Baltimore Partnership), the MOU terms and enforcement were placed on the record. Several approvals anticipated forthcoming transfer applications; licensees will need to submit any required transfer paperwork to the board and comply with conditions of the approvals.

Adjournment

The board recessed until Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.