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Caroline County board approves multiple event alcohol licenses, grants three-year approval to fair board
Summary
On Dec. 17, 2025, the Caroline County Board of License Commissioners approved several temporary and multi-event alcohol licenses — including a tasting license for Red Light Liquors and a one-day permit plus three-year recurring approval for the Dorchester Fair Board's Sportsman's Bash — and instructed staff on issuance and reporting requirements.
The Caroline County Board of License Commissioners on Dec. 17 approved a slate of temporary and multi-event alcohol permits for community organizations and businesses, and granted a three-year recurring approval to the Dorchester Fair Board for its annual Sportsman's Bash.
The board heard Red Light Liquors' application for an annual beer, wine and liquor tasting/sampling license for calendar year 2026. The applicant, Robin Ritter, appeared and provided a sworn statement and address. Commissioners confirmed the county's limit for tastings is 26 per year and noted the applicant has not exceeded that cap; the board approved the tasting license by voice vote with no opposition recorded.
The board then considered a one-day temporary license for the Dorchester Fair Board's Sportsman's Bash, a fourth-year event set for Feb. 7, 2026, at 8230 Detour Road in Denton. Staff told the board the event is expected to draw up to about 500 attendees with roughly 10 to 20 volunteers; alcohol will be supplied by Kelly Distributors, the event will be restricted to people 21 and older, IDs will be checked and wristbands used to control service, and the site plan for the Caroline County 4-H Park remains unchanged. The board explained its policy allowing recurring annual one-day approvals: if a recurring event at the same location has no complaints, violations or material operational changes, the administrator may issue the one-day license annually for up to three years. The commissioners approved the Feb. 7 one-day license and granted the Dorchester Fair Board a three-year recurring approval, subject to continued compliance and submittal of required paperwork and server certificates.
Also approved by voice vote with no opposition were a one-day temporary license for the Friends of the Caroline County Library's adult-only mini-golf event (Feb. 21, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and multi-event licenses for the Ridgeley Volunteer Fire Company (10 events in 2026) and Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Company (20 events in 2026). The Ridgeley approval included a request that organizers confirm when the concrete pad will be used and barricade it during those events.
Staff said required site plans and valid server certificates were on file for the events and reminded applicants that, even with recurring approvals, complete application materials and any changes must be submitted prior to each event. The board also amended the agenda to move a planned closed session to the January meeting.
The meeting record shows the approvals were voice votes with no recorded opposition; staff will prepare approval letters and present licenses to applicants when available.
Next steps: staff will issue the one-day licenses under the three-year recurring approval where applicable and include event details in next month's board report.
