Commissioners approve Betty's Bar Class D liquor license, contingent on fingerprint results

Kent County commissioners on Nov. 4 approved a Class D beer, wine and liquor license for Betty's Bar, a new establishment at 844 High Street in Chestertown, with a contingency that the county receive two outstanding fingerprint results for listed members of the applicant LLC before the license is issued.

Inspector Pearsall of Kent Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement told commissioners that he conducted a pre‑hearing inspection and found the premises satisfactory but requested a contingency because two fingerprint results had not yet returned. "Everything looks good," Inspector Pearsall said, adding that fingerprints for two members were outstanding and asking the board to make approval contingent on those results.

Applicants on behalf of Honk Honk LLC — identified in the public notice as Andrew Kickler and Caitlin Boardman — described plans for bar fare and a neighborhood-serving venue; the board approved the application on a motion and second, with the condition that the county receive the two fingerprint results.

The board also approved, earlier in the meeting, a one-day Class C (beer-only) license for Maryland Ducks Unlimited for Nov. 7, 2025, after opening a public hearing and receiving no opposition.

Provenance: Topic introduced SEG 061 and concluded SEG 169.

Speakers (as named in the transcript): Inspector Pearsall (Kent Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement; first referenced SEG 088), Andrew Kickler (applicant; first referenced SEG 064), Caitlin Boardman (applicant; first referenced SEG 065).

Authorities: []

Clarifying details: [{"category":"license_type","detail":"Class D license authorizes on‑premises sale of beer, wine and liquor","source_speaker":"Unidentified Staff 6"},{"category":"contingency","detail":"Approval contingent on receipt of two outstanding fingerprint results for members","source_speaker":"Inspector Pearsall"}]

Searchable_tags:["alcohol_license","Bettys Bar","Honk Honk LLC","Chestertown"],

salience:{"overall":0.45,"overall_justification":"Local business permit decision with moderate public interest.","impact_scope":"local","impact_scope_justification":"Affects neighborhood business operations and licensing.","attention_level":"medium","attention_level_justification":"Routine licensing but includes a standard contingency."}