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Frederick County Liquor Board grants 20-day hardship extensions for three restaurants
Summary
On April 27, 2026 the Frederick County Liquor Board unanimously approved 20-day hardship extensions for Laurie(n)zo Brick Oven Cafe, Pour Decisions Restaurant and Bar, and Cacique Restaurant (Copinoal Restaurant, Inc.), waiving certain late fees and authorizing staff to process renewals administratively upon receipt of required documentation.
The Frederick County Liquor Board on April 27, 2026 approved short hardship extensions for three local restaurants seeking renewal of alcoholic beverage licenses, voting unanimously on each request.
Chair Joan Aquilino called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. and swore in participants before the board considered license-extension requests. Commissioner Debbie Burrell introduced each motion; Commissioner Christopher Glass seconded all three motions. The board took each vote unanimously, with Commissioners Glass and Burrell and Chair Aquilino voting aye.
Laurienzo Brick Oven Cafe: Applicant Jay Laurienzo requested an extension for Laurienzo Restaurant, Inc. The board approved a 20-day hardship extension and waived the $100-per-day late fee. Board members said that if the license is not renewed within 20 days, it will expire, alcohol sales must cease, and the licensee would need to reapply; the $750 new application fee would be waived. Liquor Board staff were authorized to process and adjudicate the renewal administratively once all required documentation is submitted.
Pour Decisions Restaurant and Bar: Applicants Ashley Yokum and Amy Estepp appeared for Pour Decisions Restaurant and Bar, LLC. The board granted a 20-day hardship extension, waived the $100-per-day late fee, and required payment of the $1,500 annual license fee as part of the conditions. As with the other approvals, staff may complete administrative processing upon receipt of documentation.
Cacique Restaurant (Copinoal Restaurant, Inc.): Rigoberto Gutierrez and Jose Perez (listed as 50% owner) appeared for Copinoal Restaurant, Inc., which operates as Cacique Restaurant. The board approved a 20-day hardship extension, required payment of the $1,500 annual license fee by April 30, and waived the $100-per-day late fee. Chair Aquilino explained the motion for the licensee during the meeting.
The board also received a staff update from Administrative Coordinator Ashley Kneessi-Gay on additional outstanding tax holds. Kneessi-Gay said remaining establishments with tax holds or that are not in good standing with the state are at risk of license expiration if the holds are not resolved.
There were no public comments. Commissioner Christopher Glass moved to adjourn; Chair Aquilino seconded and the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:58 a.m.
Votes at a glance: Laurienzo Brick Oven Cafe — motion passed 3–0; Pour Decisions Restaurant and Bar — motion passed 3–0; Cacique Restaurant (Copinoal Restaurant, Inc.) — motion passed 3–0.
