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Frederick County Liquor Board fines Red Lobster $3,000, suspends license after sales-to-minor finding
Summary
The Frederick County Liquor Board imposed a $3,000 fine, a three‑week suspension (one week held in abeyance), three years’ probation, mandatory training and a $250 administrative fee on RL of Frederick, Inc. after a server sold alcohol to a 17‑year‑old and admitted the violation.
The Frederick County Liquor Board on April 13 imposed penalties on RL of Frederick, Inc., operator of a Red Lobster restaurant, after a Board inspector found a server sold alcohol to a 17‑year‑old.
Inspector Clifton “Ronnie” Harrison reported that on Jan. 16, 2026, at about 5:50 p.m. a minor attempted to purchase a Bud Light and the server did not request identification. The server was later identified as Paul Sproesser and was confirmed not to be alcohol‑awareness certified. The establishment’s record shows prior violations, including sales to a minor in 2015 and 2021; at the hearing the plea was recorded as “Plea: Admit.”
The Board unanimous motion, moved by Commissioner Debbie Burrell and seconded by Commissioner Christopher Glass, assessed a $3,000 fine (to be paid within 24 hours); a three‑week suspension with one week held in abeyance and two weeks to serve beginning April 14, 2026, with a buyback option of $1,000 per week; a three‑year probationary period; and a $250 administrative fee due within 24 hours. The Board also ordered mandatory Violation Prevention Class attendance for all employees who serve alcohol and for the Maryland license holder (licensees residing in Florida are listed as exempt in the Board’s motion). The class fee is $200; classes were scheduled for May 5 and June 2, 2026, and registration was required within seven days of the hearing. The Board recorded that failure to complete required training will result in a return to the Board for further action.
The Board’s motion and vote were recorded in the meeting minutes; the vote was unanimous (Aquilino, Glass, Burrell — Aye). The Board’s action follows a history of prior sanctions noted in the record and aims to ensure staff training and compliance ahead of future inspections.
Next steps recorded in the minutes include payment of fines and fees within the Board’s stated deadlines and documentation of training completion by June 2, 2026, or a follow‑up hearing if requirements are not met.
