Published: July 25, 2008 11:58 am      

Creating new liquor license for fire halls an option

CUMBERLAND - Nearly 100 people attended a meeting Thursday with the Board of License Commissioners, known as the liquor board, and local nonprofit clubs to discuss serving alcohol to the general public.

The meeting, called for last month by the Allegany County commissioners, dispelled rumors and "misinformation" about new directives by liquor board members Gerald Delaney, Frederick J. Hill and Mike Griffith.

Despite comments to the contrary, the trio never requested a club's schedule of events a year in advance. They also backed off on a request for accountant-certified audits, saying they were too costly - but that information wasn't disseminated accurately to stakeholders.

"It's evident we need some dialogue," said County Commission President Jim Stakem. "I'm sure everybody in this room wants to do the right thing."

After nearly 90 minutes of dialogue and feedback, participants agreed to form a committee of stakeholders. The advisory group, to be led by the liquor board, will likely consist of two representatives from the volunteer fire companies in the county, two representatives from other nonprofit organizations and two representatives from the Class D liquor license-holders, the for-profit businesses. Commissioner Dale Lewis will serve as the county's liaison to the committee.

At issue is whether Class C license-holders, the nonprofit clubs including the local volunteer fire companies, can sell alcohol to the general public. Not being allowed to do so, advocates have said, would create a budget shortfall that couldn't be made up elsewhere.

"We know that there is a great concern about the fire companies, and we as a board understand the concern, but a Class C is a Class C, falling under the same laws," Delaney said. "We can't differentiate" Class C license-holders.

Delaney said now is the time to consider creating a new classification that would distinguish the eight county fire companies with Class C licenses from other nonprofits.

Stanley Broadwater, of the Barton Hose Company, said it "infuriated me that the board needed to know events ahead of time."

He felt the board was trying to tell him how to use the building, "but after listening here, I know that's not the case. I do believe there's been some misinformation."

Gaming and liquor licenses are inevitably intertwined, Delaney said. Most Class C license-holders pay a tax to the county of 10 percent of the net income from paper gaming. Fire companies don't pay that tax. For-profit ventures pay 40 percent tax as well as income tax on any profits.

Delegate Kevin Kelly suggested leveling the playing field and making it a 10 percent tax across the board for both non-profit and for-profit license holders. His proposal would not tax the fire departments. Several people in the audience agreed.

Jennifer Klingler, of Crossroads Sports Club in Cumberland, said while her organization is a nonprofit with a Class C license, she'd feel it was an unfair advantage if she owned a for-profit business.

C.B. Broadwater, president of the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, noted that many of the area fire companies are not in special taxing districts that receive earmarked funds. Income from serving alcohol to the public is "the only thing going to help us."

Sen. George Edwards told attendees that if there needs to be changes in the law, the committee, through the liquor board, could suggest them to the District 1 legislative delegation.

Contact Kevin Spradlin at kspradlin@times-news.com.