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Public hearing held on Talbot County bill to expand bistro alcohol rules for Oxford business
Summary
The council opened a public hearing on Bill 16‑23, an amendment to the county alcoholic‑beverages code that would expand seating and allow on‑premises sale of beer, wine and liquor at certain bistros and exempt some urban locations from market tests; the record was left open for comment and a vote was scheduled for the next meeting.
Talbot County opened a public hearing Dec. 9 on Bill 16‑23, which would amend Chapter 11 of the Talbot County Code to expand seating limits for Class I "bistros," allow on‑premises sale of beer, wine and liquor with specified limitations, exempt certain urban locations from a market‑test requirement and exempt Oxford Conservation Park from a 500‑foot off‑sale distance restriction.
County attorney Thomas and attorney Adam Lin explained the proposal on behalf of a client interested in opening a new restaurant in Oxford with an adjoining small market that would sell prepared foods and alcoholic beverages. Lin summarized the requested changes, including expanding seating capacity from 40 to 64 and allowing on‑premises retail sale of beer, wine and liquor while prohibiting on‑premises consumption of packaged alcoholic beverages other than craft beer and wine.
Several Oxford residents and businessowners spoke in favor. Mark Harrison said he has lived in Oxford for 30 years and asked the council to support the amendment so the new venture can open in town: “As long as a long‑term resident of Oxford and Talbot County, I would like to encourage the board to provide this new venture…with the amended license,” Harrison said. Pam Harrison, Scott Baker and others echoed support, saying the change would increase commercial choices and economic activity in Oxford.
Council chair closed the hearing but kept the record open for additional written comments and scheduled a vote for the next meeting. The chair instructed staff to accept emails and other submissions through the end of the comment period.
Next steps: the council will consider adopting Bill 16‑23 at its next meeting after reviewing public comments submitted while the record remains open.
