Harford delegation tables LR2048 after questions about Arena Club access

The Harford County Delegation met remotely and voted to table LR2048, a liquor‑license bill related to the Arena Club, after members asked for clarification about who would be able to use the extended bar hours.

Chair Riley explained that Keith Rawlings, owner of the Arena Club, had intended to join the meeting but was having Wi‑Fi issues in Florida. Delegates discussed whether the requested extension would apply to members only or allow walk‑in public customers. Delegate Steve Johnson pressed staff to confirm the club’s access policy and noted the bill language requires at least 150 paying members. Paige, a delegation staff member, relayed that Rawlings had texted back to say the extension was for members only.

Delegate Griffith said the Arena Club operates two bars and that many late‑evening pickleball players finish matches close to the current 9–10 p.m. closing time; he said the extension would let players finish their game and socialize afterward. Despite that rationale, members agreed they needed definitive answers on guest policies and membership thresholds before making the bill a delegation measure.

Delegate Andre Johnson moved to table LR2048 pending follow‑up with the owner; Delegate Steve Johnson seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with no members recorded in opposition. The Chair instructed staff to place LR2048 back on the agenda for next week with the owner’s clarifications.

Next steps: delegation staff will confirm whether the Arena Club will allow nonmember walk‑ins during the extended hours, clarify guest‑policy limits, and report back at the next meeting.