Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Alcohol License topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Howard County board approves Sonesta Select Columbia liquor license
Summary
The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board unanimously approved a new Class B on-sale license for Sonesta MD Beverage LLC trading as Sonesta Select Columbia, allowing the hotel to resume alcohol operations after a prior license was surrendered in 2021.
The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board voted unanimously Oct. 22 to approve a new Class B beer, wine and liquor 7‑day on‑sale license for Sonesta MD Beverage LLC, doing business as Sonesta Select Columbia at 8910 Stanford Boulevard in Columbia.
Whitney Anderson Gillings, counsel for the applicant, told the board the Sonesta property previously held a liquor license under the Courtyard by Marriott brand but that license was surrendered during a 2021 transfer. "We are ready to resume alcohol sales, upon approval and issuance of this new license," Gillings said.
The board swore in Roderick Cardenas, who testified he has "6 year in facility management with Sonesta Hotels" and works about 40 hours per week at the property. Cardenas told the board alcohol would be sold at the hotel restaurant and bar and stored in a locked closet at the restaurant; he said seven employees would handle alcohol service and all staff would complete an approved alcohol awareness training course. Cardenas said the hotel’s carding policy will be enforced and vertical IDs will not be accepted.
Board members pressed the applicant about where alcohol purchased at the hotel could be consumed and who would be permitted to take alcohol to guest rooms. The applicant said closed containers purchased at the hotel’s market could be taken to rooms, but alcohol purchased from the restaurant or bar was not to be taken upstairs. The applicant estimated a sales mix of roughly 60% food and 30% alcohol.
Robert Craig Gunkel, identified as chief financial officer of Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, also testified the company does not expect an adverse community impact from reinstating on‑premises alcohol service. Board members said they were comfortable approving the license provided front‑desk staff and managers receive appropriate training and enforce the rules.
Mister Hunt moved to approve the license; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. At the hearing, the applicants waived their right to appeal.
The board’s approval allows Sonesta MD Beverage LLC to resume alcohol operations at the Columbia hotel; the license issuance will follow standard administrative processing.
