Amy R. Crooks figured that customers of her new restaurant in western Howard County might want beer or a glass of wine with their meals, so she asked for a liquor license.
A group of nearby residents - whose community of Poplar Springs surrounds the restaurant - hate the idea. They're appealing a decision by the Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board to grant the license, arguing that liquor shouldn't be sold in the neighborhood.
Crooks' Country Kettle Cafe sits on Route 144, near houses and a handful of businesses. Residents say it is difficult to get out of the restaurant's parking lot safely because it is at the crest of a hill, and oncoming vehicles on the busy road cannot be seen until they are nearby.
"There's enough problems as it is," said Rob Myers, one of several dozen residents who attended a February hearing to voice their opposition to Crooks' plan. "It seems like adding one more isn't a great idea."
Crooks, who lives in the Carroll County section of Mount Airy and has worked as a chef for 18 years, said she didn't expect opposition. She thought the Country Kettle Cafe - which opened in February - would be welcomed because it is the only restaurant in the area.
Traffic issues are out of her control, she said. Her attorney, Thomas Meachum, argues that no evidence exists to show that the location is hazardous.
"I did what a restaurant is supposed to do: Put out a menu, and ask for a beer-and-wine license," Crooks said. "If they gave me a chance, and I messed up, they could take it back to the board. Not to give me a chance is unfair."
Some Poplar Springs residents came to a February hearing to support her application. But neighbors who oppose it say they have more complaints besides traffic problems.
Stephen Swanhart, who moved to Poplar Springs nine years ago and is leading the opposition, is upset that Crooks would be permitted to sell alcohol after 10 p.m. in a residential community. Unless restrictions are placed on it, a county liquor license allows restaurateurs to serve drinks until 2 a.m.
Crooks said she does not plan to stay open that late, and she pointed out that alcohol is sold in the area. Lisbon Liquors stands on Route 144 about two miles from her cafe.
Swanhart is also displeased that Crooks was charged twice with driving while intoxicated, the more recent time in 1990.
He thinks county officials should take that into consideration. Crooks disagrees, saying she has not been in trouble since then.
