One of the good by-products of the virus has been the loosening up of certain alcohol laws and regulations regarding take out, home delivery, and curbside pickup of booze (click here.) Several States have relaxed these restrictions to try and help bars and restaurants financially.
Locally, there has been a relaxing of the process for allowing folks to now drink outside since Gov. Hogan has okayed that with his recent easing of virus-related restrictions.
Bars that previously could not serve patrons outside need what is called an Extension of Premise (EP) permit to do so. (Recall that this is what I had to obtain following Gov. Hogan’s visit to Buzzy’s a few years back (click here.) Now that I mention Hogan again, it makes me wonder if maybe there isn’t a “Hogan effect” going on here having to do with drinking outside.)
For me to obtain the EP back then, I had to apply to and appear before the Liquor Board. It was a two month process wherein I had to get approvals from the County Health Department and the State Fire Marshal who charged $100 inspection fee to visit and determine that drinking on the porch wasn’t a fire hazard. Go figure. I’m still a little pissed about the whole thing. That it cost $100 also stirred up the Buzzy in me.
However, now with all the fall out from Gov. Hogan allowing outside service, subject to local regulations, our Liquor Board held an emergency meeting the other day to streamline the process for obtaining an EP. Businesses still must have EP approvals but the process has been simplified with no fees involved. At a meeting with my Beverage Association buddies on this issue yesterday, I learned that Brian Tarleton’s Green Door and Gary Rogow’s ABC Liquors already have their EPs in hand and are readying to begin serving outside.
Me? I’m debating getting an extension of my extension. (Mind you, I am talking alcohol-related extensions now and not anything having to do all those ED popup ads I keep getting.) Buzzy’s already has an EP but it is only for drinking on the porch. I plan to ask for permission to let folks sit at the picnic tables on the Buzzy hill and knock a few cold ones back. I’ll let you know how that works out. As for reopening I am still in a wait and see mode.
This Smokey tune has been on my mind lately. Maybe because the video was filmed outside on a beach:
