Howard County board approves transfer of Leland's liquor license to Niral Patel

The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board on Sept. 10 approved the transfer of a Class D (beer, wine and liquor, seven‑day on‑sale) license for Leland's dining room and lounge at 9495 Old Annapolis Road to Ricky Towson Inc., in the name of prospective licensee Niral Patel, contingent on background documentation and alcohol‑awareness certification.

Attorney Mr. Hurtle, representing the applicant, told the board the premises measures about 2,600 square feet indoors with a 1,600‑square‑foot outdoor patio and that the operation will continue the existing menu and staffing. He noted a previous violation in June of last year for underage service and said his client has taken steps to avoid a recurrence: "All of his staff has signed an employee handbook, stressed all the rules, and it is his plan ... that all staff on the front end will be alcohol awareness certified," Mr. Hurtle said. The applicant, who was sworn for the record as Niral Patel, said he plans to be on site regularly and to retain existing management and wait staff.

Board member Miss Johnson, who said she has dined at the restaurant, described a past instance of staff following carding rules and said she was comfortable with the patio's landscaping and monitoring plans: "They have good policies there," she said. The board placed two contingencies on approval: submission of proper background/fingerprint information and confirmation of the resident agent's alcohol‑awareness certificate. The motion to approve, moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Ms. Johnson, passed unanimously.

The board recorded the vote in open session and the applicant waived his right to appeal at the hearing. The board flagged the prior violation and requested documentation be filed before the license is finalized.