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Liquor board approves several new licenses and a transfer; forum and large-event procedures discussed
Summary
On July 13 the Frederick County Liquor Board approved or conditionally approved several new licenses (Yanya Bette, Thurmont Luxe Nails, Fordham Lee Distillery, Kemba by Kanaki) and a transfer (Crown Wine & Spirits); staff also reviewed event oversight and proposed fee adjustments for very large events.
The Frederick County Board of License Commissioners on July 13 took a series of licensing actions and discussed event-management and regulatory topics at its staff meeting.
Approvals and conditional approvals
- Yanya Bette Mejep (Ethiopian restaurant, Class B beer & wine): Inspector reported a completed inspection for a soft opening; board granted conditional approval through Aug. 31, 2026, pending permanent occupancy verification and state tax/address updates.
- Thermont/Thurmont Luxe Nails (Class O — beer & wine only for a beauty salon): Inspector reported the business already operating; staff explained beer-and-wine-only limits for salon service; the board approved the license and noted the applicant’s intent to pursue any future legislative changes.
- Fordham Lee Distillery (manufacturer on-site consumption / tasting room): Staff said the farm tasting-room inspection was complete; the board granted the on-site consumption permit effective immediately to allow tastings produced on-site.
- Kemba by Kanaki (Class B beer, wine & liquor — downtown restaurant): Applicant described menu and staffing plans; inspector reported the site was under construction and reinspection would be required before full issuance. The board granted conditional approval through Oct. 31, 2026, to allow completion of outstanding items.
- Crown (Brown) Wine & Spirits (transfer): Staff noted open items tied to a pending settlement (landlord signature, business license and zoning/occupancy transfer). The board granted conditional approval through Sept. 30, 2026, but required a management agreement if the settlement occurs before all items are complete.
Staff meeting and other business
Board staff reviewed management and safety lessons from the large Mexican rodeo event and proposed a tiered administrative fee for very large events (staff will develop a data-backed proposal). The board set a "raising the bar" forum for Sept. 28 featuring industry and enforcement speakers, and discussed regulation updates (violation-guideline review, infusions and drinking-on-duty guidance). Staff reported fiscal-year spending of $505,985 against a permitted $678,503 budget and noted deposits back to the county general fund.
Votes were unanimous on motions brought before the board during the meeting; staff will circulate summaries to affected applicants and to the board for follow-up.
