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Frederick County Liquor Board approves True Standard and Sunset & Main; grants conditional approvals to Elks Haven and Fogón Latino
Summary
At its June 8 meeting the Frederick County Liquor Board approved a full-time distillery license for True Standard, approved Sunset & Main, and granted conditional approvals to Elks Haven (through July 15) and Fogón Latino (through Sept. 30), with staff to verify outstanding zoning, occupancy and other items.
Frederick County’s Liquor Board on June 8 approved several new and transfer liquor licenses and set conditions for others, signaling continued tightening of permitting and compliance checks.
A full-time Class DDS (distillery) liquor-only permit was granted to True Standard Distilling, which has been operating under a promoter’s permit at 10 North Carol Street. Inspector Christopher Smith told the board his May 20, 2026 inspection found the establishment open and operating and that “no reinspection will be required before the license can be issued.” Board members pressed applicants about staffing and ABLE training; applicants said most employees are trained or nearing 100% compliance. The board voted to grant the DDS permit effective the day of the hearing; staff said they will follow up by email with next steps for license pickup.
The board also approved Sunset & Main, a Class B beer, wine and liquor application for 6 West Main Street in New Market. Inspector Dawn Sugars reported a May 18 inspection and listed outstanding items (securing the outside area, adding signage marking alcohol boundaries, and confirming 28 indoor seats). The board approved the application effective immediately and instructed staff to confirm any remaining items before issuing the physical license.
For Elks Haven (Application 262549), the board granted conditional approval through July 15, 2026, pending staff verification of all state, county and local requirements—zoning/occupancy issues were still being resolved with the city. Applicants said they were operating under a promoter’s permit and expected zoning schematics to be reviewed by the city within days. The board emphasized training and encouraged licensees to call staff with compliance questions.
The board granted conditional transfer approval for a Route 40 restaurant to operate as Fogón Latino Restaurant (Class B) through Sept. 30, 2026, pending completion of open items, including landlord signatures, tax-release matters, insurance/workers‑comp transfers and final staff sign-offs. Staff indicated the location is already operating and that no reinspection was required for the transfer, but warned the applicant about prior after-hours issues at the site and the expectation that new management must address lingering operational problems.
All votes reported at the hearing were unanimous. Staff committed to sending each applicant a summary email listing outstanding items and timing for license pickup.
What happens next: the approvals are effective as recorded; applicants must complete any outstanding permit, occupancy and training requirements for final licensing documentation. The board said staff will monitor compliance and follow up as needed.
