Howard County board approves On The Border license transfer for Elkridge restaurant

The Howard County Alcohol Beverage Hearing Board on Nov. 18 approved the transfer of a Class BLX (beer, wine and liquor, seven-day) license for the On The Border restaurant at 8230 Gateway Overlook Drive in Elkridge to OTB Hospitality Maryland LLC.

In an opening statement, the applicants' attorney, Miss Schreckengost of Royston, Muller, McLean & Reed, said the restaurant has operated under the current ownership for about 15 years and "has been a staple of Howard County for quite some time." She called manager Nicholas R. Jones and company principals to describe day-to-day operations and oversight.

General manager Nicholas R. Jones testified he oversees about 25 employees, roughly 15 of whom serve or sell alcohol, and said all alcohol-service staff complete state-approved ServSafe training. Jones described a carding policy that requires proof of age for every alcohol purchase and said managers maintain frequent visual checks of the fenced patio area. He estimated alcohol sales at about 15% of total revenue and confirmed posted hours (Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

Resident agent Kathleen P. McCann, who told the board she has served as the license's resident agent since the operation was transferred in 2010 and holds a 10% ownership interest, said she visits the site roughly monthly and will increase visits if requested. Board member Mister Coleman asked McCann about prior violations that occurred in 2017 and 2018 when she had been the licensee at a different On The Border location in Towson; McCann said the response included individual meetings with staff and ensuring training and tip-certification were current. "We've just ensured that the bartenders and servers all card people, and we also make sure that their tip certification is up to date," McCann said.

During deliberations the board described the proposal as straightforward and low-risk given the management structure and the modest share of alcohol sales. Mister Coleman said the 15% figure "seems relatively low risk" for a restaurant operation. The board moved to approve the transfer; the motion was seconded and passed by the commissioners present. The board also confirmed the applicants understand the board's rules and acknowledged that applicants retain their appeal rights.

What happens next: The license transfer is approved and the new license holder is OTB Hospitality Maryland LLC, operated by principals from Pappas' Restaurants who said the restaurant's operation will remain unchanged. The board did not impose additional conditions in its approval at this hearing.