The Pocomoke American Legion Post 93 attempted to renew its liquor license earlier this month, but the application was opposed by neighbors, the police department and the Mayor and City Council. The Board of License Commissioners requested further documentation from the legion, removing the ability for it to sell alcohol until the next board meeting in May.

By Brian Gilliland, Associate Editor

(April 26, 2018) Along with issuing several fines and letters of reprimand to local businesses for selling alcohol to undercover, underage police cadets, the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners held a lengthy hearing about the Pocomoke American Legion’s request to renew its license, a move protested by neighbors, the Pocomoke City Police Department, and the town’s Mayor and City Council.

The legion’s license was up for renewal as of April 30, so the hearing was conducted as if it were a new licensee applying for the first time. The Pocomoke American Legion Post 93, off Bypass Road in Pocomoke City, was opened in 1932, according to current commander Paul Corbin.

Board Attorney Tom Coates said if more than 10 people sign onto a letter of protest, a hearing on that licensee will be held. Coats said the board itself could also institute a hearing. Instead of 10, the board received letters against the renewal signed by 13 residents as well as the council and police department.

After hours of testimony on both sides, the board decided to put off its final decision on the renewal, which left the legion in the lurch — its license expires on April 30, and the board’s next meeting isn’t until May 16. During that time, the legion will not be able to serve alcoholic beverages.

“Someone said if this weren’t the American Legion, we would have shut you down permanently,” William Esham, board chairman, said. “They’re not far from wrong. It sounds like poor management to me.”

The legion was not able to provide any financial records, rental records, tax returns or a site plan during the hearing. Coates requested the legion produce these documents during the meeting next month.

Through testimony, it was discovered there was little oversight of rental events, almost no documentation, and even less communication with the neighbors about their concerns.

For example, members testified under oath rental agreements were largely reached over the telephone with a longtime volunteer bartender.

This bartender, however, is not a member of the legion. To be a member of the legion, one must be a veteran. The bartender is a member of the auxiliary.

When asked who the sponsor of these events actually was, other members in the crowd pointed to another legion member, who said he generally works security during the events.

Neighbors complained about thrown trash, loud noise or music in the parking lot after the events, and public safety concerns with a shooting connected to the facility last month.

The victim of the shooting, Monique Douglas, 28, was apparently struck by a stray bullet in February after leaving a party she had attended at the legion, according to Det. Sgt. Joseph Bailey of the Pocomoke City Police Department.

Douglas testified on behalf of the legion, stating no one there had anything to do with her shooting.

Bailey said the police had responded to five assaults in the previous five years at the legion, and two shootings.

The Mayor and Council of Pocomoke took it a bit further.

“We do agree and support the License Board revoking [the American Legion’s] license — either temporarily or as they see fit,” a letter submitted to the board and signed by acting mayor Esther Troast reads. “If the Board does not feel that strongly about the revocation, the Mayor and Council would at least request a limited time of closing such as 11 p.m. or midnight.”

Commander Paul Corbin said new security measures, such as lighting and cameras, were due to be installed soon. He also said there would be a complete overhaul of existing practices.

Coates remained skeptical.

“Were you apprised of this hearing six weeks ago?” he asked. The members agreed they had. “Did you have an event last weekend?” he continued. They agreed they had.