Board grants 90‑day extension to Westminster Tap House and discusses new food‑vs‑alcohol reporting

The Carroll County License Commissioners granted a 90‑day extension to the Westminster Tap House after owners said unexpected electrical and exit/occupancy renovations delayed permitting. Reita and Jesse Johnson told the board they expect to be ready for soft openings in late April but asked for additional time to finalize permits; the board raised no objection and approved the extension.

Commissioners also approved a request to expand for a Cinco de Mayo event and a beer garden permit for the Carroll County A Center's annual tractor pull; both were described as longstanding or recurring community events with controlled entry and ID checks.

Later in the meeting staff and commissioners debated changes to the renewal packet and reporting forms. Licensing staff said the current form asks for a single "total gross" number that can include non‑food items and recommended splitting food and alcohol sales on the form. The staff described a proposed qualifying test in which food sales would need to represent at least 41% of the combined total of food plus alcohol receipts. The proposal drew concern from commissioners about how businesses would categorize sales and whether smaller or specialized establishments could meet the threshold; several commissioners recommended business input and a public hearing before any rule change.

Commissioners emphasized the county's enforcement tools—including a diversion program coordinated with the state's attorney for underage sales—and encouraged tight employee training and policies such as refusing vertical (under‑21) licenses. The board scheduled or confirmed training seminar logistics for mid‑June and adjourned until its May meeting.