Council agrees to support Samosas & Spirits' Sunday off-sales permit with six-month review; delivery permit discussion deferred

The City Council authorized staff to send a letter supporting Samosas & Spirits LLC's request for a Prince George's County special Sunday off-sales permit after a lengthy discussion of neighborhood fit, marketing and legal rules on county liquor permits.

Director Coker introduced agenda item 25G69 and said the applicant sought city support for a special Sunday off-sales permit and an amendment to a previously executed property-use agreement. Attorney Linda Carter and owner/operator Sumit Kaneja described the business as a combined samosa cafe and liquor retail operation and explained why a Sunday off-sales permit and waiver of an additional $50,000 improvement requirement would help operations during the weekend economy.

Council members pressed the applicant about community outreach, signage and whether the establishment reads to passersby as a liquor store or a cafe. The owner said the business has collected neighborhood petitions of support and will increase food-focused marketing; he also provided build-out and inventory cost figures to explain prior investments.

After discussion, Councilmember Hernandez moved that the city send a letter to the Prince George's County Board of License Commissioners supporting the special Sunday off-sales permit for the class B-plus license, subject to an amended property-use agreement and city-attorney approval. The motion included a request that the applicant return to the council for a status update in approximately six months; the motion carried on voice vote.

On the separate request for a county delivery permit (agenda item 25G70), the council discussed county rules that prohibit alcohol delivery to university-affiliated housing and the county's employee-only delivery requirements (no third-party platforms). Several council members expressed concern about delivery in a college town and its proximity to off-campus student rentals; they asked the applicant to meet with North College Park civic associations and return with the results before the city endorses a delivery permit. The applicant agreed to civic outreach and to return at a future meeting.

The city's letter of support to the county will be transmitted after the city attorney reviews the amended PUA and the city manager signs. Councilmembers asked staff to ensure the six-month status report includes sales and any community complaints so the council can decide whether to sustain its support.