Howard County board approves Hampton Inn’s application for Class D beer and light wine license

The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board approved on July 23 a new Class D beer and light wine license for Highgate Concessions LLC, which will allow the Hampton Inn in Columbia to sell beer and wine in a hotel pantry under controlled conditions.

Lee Ann Schreckengost, counsel for Highgate, explained the application and introduced Raymond Bushby, the hotel’s operations manager. Bushby, sworn to testify, described about 28 years of hotel industry experience and that he spends 50–70 hours a week overseeing the property. He told the board the hotel will store alcoholic beverages in a locked cooler at the front desk; staff will unlock and serve only registered guests, card all patrons and will not accept vertical IDs. There will be no room service alcoholic sales.

Board members asked whether alcohol could be removed from the premises; Bushby and counsel said guests would be instructed that alcohol cannot be removed and the cooler would be locked outside sales hours. The board discussed hours (sales 10 a.m.–10 p.m.) and the limited product mix (beer and wine).

Commissioners expressed support for the brand’s policy and the limited, low‑risk approach; a motion to approve the Class D beer and light wine license was moved, seconded and approved. Counsel indicated the applicant waived the right to appeal.