This past Monday Gov. Hogan issued his Executive Order closing all bars and restaurants. Yesterday he amended the Order to allow restaurants to sell alcohol for carry out.
These actions have naturally launched a lot of questions about what is and what isn’t allowed per the Executive Orders. To help clarify these matters, St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board disseminated the following guidance yesterday afternoon for all alcohol licensees to follow:
How does all this impact Buzzy’s Country Store? The good news is that, for now at least, Buzzy’s can remain open for business for all off premise, i.e. out-the-door, purchases. (Buzzy’s has an on and off premise alcohol license which permits off premise sales.)
The bad news is that on premise alcohol sales/consumption are not permitted. You can no longer knock back a couple of cold ones while in your favorite country store or while sitting out on the Store porch.
The notice from the Beverage Board concludes by noting that “this is a changing situation with status being reviewed on a daily basis.” Stay tuned. Remember, the only thing permanent is change.