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Council backs transfer of The Hall's liquor license to Lakelander Group with conditions
Summary
The council recommended approval of a Class B license transfer from The Hall to the Lakelander Group at 4656 Hotel Drive, subject to final property-use agreement language and city attorney review; applicant pledged to keep current operations during the transition and invest in improvements.
The College Park Mayor and Council voted Jan. 6 to recommend that the Prince George's County Board of License Commissioners approve the transfer of a Class B beer, wine and liquor license from The Hall to the Lakelander Group LLC (to operate as the Lakelander at 4656 Hotel Drive). Council approval was recorded as a recommendation; final license and entertainment-permit approvals are made by the county board.
Director of Public Services Jitinder Coker reviewed the application and noted discrepancies in the draft property-use agreement (PUA) and application language that city staff were addressing with the applicant's counsel. City Attorney Anderson explained the standard practice: council approves the PUA in principle and staff finalizes language so the city can present a fully executed PUA at the county hearing if negotiations conclude successfully.
Applicant Phyllis Khan and attorney Linda Carter told the council the Lakelander Group intends to maintain the hall's existing entertainment profile during the transition and to invest in renovations. Carter said her clients "are spending a lot of money to improve it" and acknowledged they will apply for any new entertainment permits required by the county's updated rules.
Council members asked about noise, security and university involvement. Councilmember Hill asked whether the business would operate under the university; counsel said the university owns the property but does not operate the business. Councilmember Hill and others emphasized clarity on noise restrictions; counsel confirmed the PUA will explicitly state municipal noise limits apply. Staff also described required security and coordination with University of Maryland and county police for large events.
A motion recommending the transfer, with final approval of PUA language subject to city attorney sign-off, carried. The council directed staff to finalize the PUA details with the applicant before the Jan. 27 county hearing.
