Frederick County Liquor Board approves multiple licenses, sets safety expectations for Mexican Rodeo

The Frederick County Liquor Board met in person on May 11, 2026, and unanimously approved several license applications and staff recommendations while discussing event safety and upcoming regulatory work. Chair Joan Aquilino called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m., and Administrative Coordinator Ashley Kneessi-Gay swore in participants.

The board adopted the April 13 and April 27 hearing minutes by unanimous vote. It then approved a new license for The Corner Shoppe (Application #262646) and granted a transfer for Thurmont Liberty (Application #257403), each on motions by Commissioner Debbie Burrell and seconded by Commissioner Christopher Glass. The board also granted conditional approval to Fiesta Tejana (Application #262533) until July 15, 2026, contingent on compliance with state, county, municipal and Liquor Board regulations.

Director Dawn Shugars presented renewal updates and asked the board to approve an additional en-bloc renewal list of 31 establishments; the board approved the en-bloc list unanimously. Shugars also reported the status of establishments that had sought hardship extensions and presented a list of licenses that were not renewed or were surrendered for the current year.

Shugars briefed the board on planning for the county’s Mexican Rodeo in June, saying staff have coordinated with Fair Board personnel, a private security contractor and the Fire Marshal’s Office. "We’ve proposed relocating the beer garden area to improve safety," Director Shugars said, and staff will provide a detailed list of expectations to the licensee, the security company and Fair Board staff. Chair Joan Aquilino emphasized staff worked to help ensure compliance but said responsibility rests with the licensee and warned that "alcohol sales will be shut down if issues arise."

The board discussed True Standard Distilling’s use of promoter permits. Director Shugars said the State advised the business it may not continue operating under promoter permits and "must obtain a full-time DDS license." The distillery is scheduled to appear before the board next month to seek that license.

Commissioners discussed whether to pursue a Class D license through the Delegation — noting other counties offer it — and agreed the topic could be reconsidered during this year’s Delegation hearing. Staff raised enforcement concerns about motions that require "all employees" to attend post-violation education, recommending instead that a minimum number of employees plus management complete training; Commissioner Burrell suggested adding a question about employee counts and training to renewal and full-time license applications.

The board reviewed a proposal from Steinhardt and Elk Haven for a combined, enclosed outdoor consumption area with separate cups to track purchases. Inspectors said they did not anticipate problems; the board gave temporary approval for the shared outside area until the June 8, 2026 hearing, with a sunset/temporary review built in.

Votes at a glance

- Adopt minutes (April 13 & April 27, 2026): Passed unanimously (Chair Joan Aquilino — Aye; Commissioner Christopher Glass — Aye; Commissioner Debbie Burrell — Aye). (SEG 006–010) - The Corner Shoppe, Application #262646: Approved effective immediately; motion by Commissioner Debbie Burrell, second by Commissioner Christopher Glass; unanimous vote. (SEG 011–018) - Thurmont Liberty, Transfer #257403: Approved effective immediately; motion by Commissioner Debbie Burrell, second by Commissioner Christopher Glass; unanimous vote. (SEG 020–026) - Fiesta Tejana, Application #262533: Conditional approval until July 15, 2026, pending compliance with regulations; motion by Commissioner Debbie Burrell, second by Commissioner Christopher Glass; unanimous vote. (SEG 028–033) - En-bloc renewals: Approved 31 additional establishments; motion by Commissioner Debbie Burrell, second by Commissioner Christopher Glass; unanimous vote. (SEG 038–043) - Steinhardt & Elk Haven shared outdoor area: Temporary approval until June 8, 2026; motion by Commissioner Debbie Burrell, second by Commissioner Christopher Glass; unanimous vote. (SEG 056–062) - Adjourn: Motion by Commissioner Christopher Glass, second by Commissioner Debbie Burrell; unanimous vote. (SEG 063–068)

The board announced a regulation-review process to begin in June focused on language clarifications; commissioners were invited to participate. True Standard Distilling is scheduled to appear at the next hearing to seek a full-time DDS license after state guidance that promoter permits are not sufficient. The meeting adjourned at 9:47 a.m.

(Reporting based on Frederick County Liquor Board public meeting minutes.)