TP Council To Vote on Resolution for Carryout Beer and Wine Next Week

Despite opposition from several residents and worries over an increase in crime and a loss of local control, the Takoma Park Council agreed Monday night to draft a resolution to allow Class B and D alcohol licenses for carryout beer and wine in the city.

The council is set to vote on the resolution at the next meeting to get legislation secured in time for Montgomery County Delegation to present a bill in the next legislative session in Annapolis, said Deputy City Manager Suzanne Ludlow. Though liquor laws are enforced through the county, all legislation regarding alcohol must be approved by the state.

"We need to expand the options for successful businesses," Mayor Bruce Williams said.

Fred Schultz (D-Ward 6) said the city should support good businesses.

"We have a responsibility to the businesses in the city," Schultz said. "We want to see more businesses like Roscoe's."

Schultz also said that, despite there being some vocal opposition, most of Takoma Park is indifferent to the issue.

"A minute percentage of residents came out," he said. "There isn't going to be a significant impact either way."

The resolution is expected to pass next week, said Ludlow.

Councilman Terry Seamens (D-Ward 4) and Councilman Reuben Snipper (D-Dist. 5) both opposed the consideration for carryout beer and wine but the rest of the council was in support.

"This will change the character of Takoma Park," Seamens said. "It has no benefit."

Snipper voiced similar opposition.

"I'm not convinced that this is necessary for Takoma Park," he said.

The council resolution will also include a provision that allows Takoma Park to have veto power over decisions by the county liquor board concerning the city. However the majority of the council said it would still support the resolution if veto power is not granted.

"There isn't a snowballs chance the county will give Takoma Park veto power," Schultz said. "Because then the county liquor board wouldn't be able to have fun anymore. It's a moot issue, but there's no harm in asking."

The Class B license allows for a restaurant, like Roscoe's on Carroll Avenue, to sell beer and wine for carryout. Class B establishments must have food, seating and a bathroom and must regulate the percentage of food to alcohol sales. The Class D license is for establishments similar to Adega in Silver Spring. It allows for beer and wine carryout along with food sales but does not regulate the ratio of food to alcohol. The license would allow the Takoma Park-Silver Spring Coop to sell beer and wine. Neither license would allow for a standalone store that solely sells beer and wine.