Howard County approves Elliot's Craft Kitchen license pending fingerprint check and TIP certification

Howard County's Beverage Hearing Board voted Nov. 12 to grant a Class B beer, wine and liquor seven-day on-sale license to Skillet Hospitality LLC, the applicant behind Elliot's Craft Kitchen, but made issuance contingent on the applicant providing a full CJIS/fingerprint report and proof of alcohol-awareness certification.

Applicant and chef-owner Ryan Elliott Fichter described the restaurant as a chef-driven, food-forward concept emphasizing Maryland agriculture and local suppliers. Fichter outlined more than 30 years in the industry, said he will oversee daily operations, and said the restaurant will require TIP training and ServSafe training for staff before opening. "Basically, every person that orders a drink will be carded," Fichter said when describing ID-check policies.

Board members questioned capacity, staffing and prior disclosures. During questioning, Fichter acknowledged a 1999 marijuana-possession charge he believed had been expunged and therefore was not listed on his application; he said he did not intend to be deceptive. Counsel and board members agreed that because fingerprint/CJIS records and the alcohol-awareness certificate remain outstanding, the board would condition final license issuance on those items. The motion to approve with those contingencies passed unanimously and counsel noted the applicant waived appeal.