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Howard County board approves transfer of Ale House license to Derek Fink over objections about past violation and disclosure gaps
Summary
The Howard County ABC board approved, 3–1, a transfer of the Ale House of Columbia Class B license to Derek Fink. Members raised concerns about a 2019 underage‑sale disciplinary record and several undisclosed traffic convictions; the board nevertheless voted to approve and counsel said the applicant waived appeal rights.
The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board on July 23 approved, by a 3–1 vote, the transfer of a Class B (beer, wine and liquor, seven‑day) license for Ale House of Columbia LLC to Derek Fink.
Attorney Phil Dale opened the transfer hearing and proffered the application. Derek Fink, who was sworn, testified that he is the sole member of Alehouse Columbia LLC, has extensive experience in restaurant ownership and operations, and intends to retain the current general manager and staff. He said managers will be alcohol‑awareness trained and described sales hours (Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday until 10 p.m.).
Board members pressed Fink on background items. Staff records and a board packet included a disciplinary matter dated 03/06/2019 showing a $500 fine for a sale to underage persons at a related location; the record notes licensees were present at that hearing and names a server as the person who served underage patrons. Fink said he did not recall the hearing and suggested ownership transitions at that time may explain his lack of recollection.
Separately, the board noted four Delaware traffic convictions that were not disclosed on the application (dates listed in the packet). Fink acknowledged the traffic citations and said omissions on the application were unintentional.
During deliberations some commissioners expressed concern that the applicant appeared removed from day‑to‑day operations and that incomplete disclosures warranted caution; others emphasized Ale House’s long local presence and the continuity of current management. A motion to deny the transfer was made but received no second; a motion to approve carried 3–1 (yes: Chair Sung, Hunt, Johnson; no: Chen). Counsel for the applicant stated the applicant waived the right to appeal.
The board’s action permits the transfer to proceed under conditions the board may enforce through its ordinary licensing processes.
