Howard County hearing board approves transfer of Hampton Inn Columbia license to Govind Hospitality

The Howard County Alcohol Beverage Hearing Board on June 9 approved the transfer of a Class B beer and light‑wine, seven‑day on‑ and off‑sale license for the Hampton Inn at Columbia 100 Parkway from Highgate Maryland Concessions LLC to Govind Hospitality LLC, in an action the board moved and approved by voice vote.

Board members heard a proffer from counsel Linda Carter and sworn testimony from the applicant, who recorded her name in testimony as Chagita Patel. Carter told the board the hotel had suspended sales on May 14 after the new owners took possession, and said Patel is an experienced operator with prior license experience in Prince George’s County. "They are among the finest applicants that will ever come before you," Carter said in support of the transfer.

Patel said she is alcohol‑awareness certified and that she expects to spend roughly 40–44 hours per week at the property. She confirmed that the hotel will require certification of clerks who sell alcohol and that a management company will operate day‑to‑day service; she said the management company will ensure certified staff are present and that all storage and inventory responsibilities will rest with her as licensee.

Commissioners questioned the delegation of responsibilities to the management company and the board pressed that, as the licensee, Patel would be held accountable if violations occur. One commissioner noted a prior violation tied to the applicant’s business from 2021; counsel and Patel said the applicant was not on premises when that incident occurred and that the responsible employee was removed and retrained.

After brief deliberation—board members said the application materials and testimony satisfied their standards—Mr. Coleman moved to approve the transfer and Mr. Hunt seconded. Chair Chen, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Hunt and Ms. Kim voted yes. Counsel confirmed the applicant waived the right to appeal.