Liquor board fines, warns golf courses
June 20, 2006
By JOSEPH M. DELEON News-Post Staff
jdeleon @ fredericknewspost . com
FREDERICK — A new fine for failure to display a liquor license was authorized, a golf course was issued a suspended fine and another was advised of reports of liquor violations at a Frederick County Liquor Board license commissioners meeting Monday. Board members advised representatives of Musket Ridge Golf Club in Myersville of reports of underage drinking, unattended kegs on the golf course and patrons bringing alcohol onto the premises.
Liquor board Chairman James McClellan said the information came from a reliable source, but did not give any names.
Mr. McClellan said he was advised a teen chose to play in tournaments at the club because he was never asked for identification.
The tipster reported golfers were allowed to serve themselves from a keg at two events held at the course.
During a different event, the source reported a guest brought an unauthorized keg onto the premises.
Donald G. Taylor of Musket Ridge Golf Course, LLC, told the board new procedures were put in place to combat the reported problems.
Signs informing guests of alcohol-related rules now greet patrons at the property entrance, pro shop and restaurant. Another new practice requires staff members to supervise all kegs.
Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages to the course.
Hinkley M. Burkett of Musket Ridge said guests are asked to allow course attendants to inspect ice chests. Attendants also keep an eye out for beer not sold at the bar.
He said guests are allowed to bring soft drinks in coolers.
"Some people, like me, need to keep a cooler handy to keep medications at a certain temperature," he said. "And I play a lot of golf."
Hollow Creek Golf Club in Middletown was issued a $100 fine for not notifying the board of a change of operating hours for a closure Jan. 23 through Jan. 31.
Another $100 fine was ordered for failure to notify the board of construction that substantially modified the bar in the clubhouse.
Stephen M. Klein of Klein Golf Financial, LLC, pleaded not guilty to failing to report a change of hours of operation. He said the golf course was closed, but the banquet facility was still open during that time.
Mr. Klein pleaded guilty to failure to report modifying the interior without board approval. He said he did not know he needed approval.
Mr. DeLauter said the clubhouse appeared to be closed and he witnessed a construction crew working near the bar during a routine visit Jan. 30.
Mr. Klein said a partition was being erected to separate the bar from the dining room, at the request of restaurant patrons.
"Some golfers would rehash their rounds at the bar," he said. "If you're a golfer, you'll understand the colorful language, so it made sense to separate the two."
The fines were suspended by the board because Hollow Creek had not violated rules since January.
New fine
The liquor board voted unanimously in favor of a rule to fine license holders $50 for not displaying licenses properly.
Alcoholic Beverage Inspector Harold DeLauter said more than 20 Frederick County liquor license holders have not displayed licenses properly this year.
Maryland law requires the license be prominently displayed behind glass. Mr. DeLauter said some licensees taped the new license over the old one, others misplaced it.
Mr. DeLauter threatened action against license holders if the licenses did not turn up.
"They found them real quick," he said, drawing laughter from the board.