Howard County approves River House on Main liquor-license transfer with leadership training requirement

On Feb. 24, 2026, the Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board approved the transfer of a Class B (on-sale) beer, wine and liquor seven-day license to Nathan Paul Sowers for River House on Main, a food-forward bistro planned for historic Ellicott City. The approval was conditioned on leadership positions completing alcohol-awareness training before the restaurant opens.

Nathan Sowers described returning River House Pizza to Old Town Ellicott City and investing in the historic building. "This license transfer represents more than a change of address. It represents reinvestment in the historic district," Sowers said. He said the new location would be primarily a restaurant (his business plan estimates roughly 75% food and 25% alcohol sales), that staff who will serve alcohol would be trained and carding procedures and ID scanners are in place.

Board members discussed whether to require additional trained staff and agreed to condition approval on alcohol-awareness training for leadership and managers, with the expectation that a certified person will be present whenever the business is open. A board member moved to approve the transfer with that condition; the motion was seconded and approved by unanimous roll call. Sowers waived his right to appeal.

The board recorded the approval, with the training condition intended to ensure compliance with local regulations and reduce the risk of service to underage or intoxicated patrons. Sowers said he expects an April opening if county processes proceed quickly.