Bar owner's liquor license revoked

November 17, 2003|by BRIAN SHAPPELL

The Board of License Commissioners for Washington County stripped the proprietor of a Boonsboro bar of his liquor license in the wake of a drug bust there in August.

A letter from the board, sent to Donald L. Eavey, said his alcoholic beverage license officially was revoked last Wednesday. Following an Oct. 29 hearing, the board found that Eavey, 49, failed to maintain the "peace, quiet and safety in the neighborhood" of the Dogpatch Tavern, and that he was within 30 feet of at least 10 customers who were in possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia, according to the letter.

Eavey was charged with one count of maintaining a common nuisance after authorities raided the tavern, located at 21836 National Pike, in connection with an ongoing drug investigation.

On Aug. 22, Washington County Narcotics Task Force agents arrested several patrons, including Michael Martin, 39, of 7 Wilderness Road in Falling Waters, W.Va., in connection with drug trade at the tavern. Task Force Director Pete Lazich said Martin was the focal point of the operation.

Martin was charged with three counts each of distribution of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia, and one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine following the investigation that started in July, records say.

Court records allege that a confidential informant purchased cocaine from Martin at least three times during the investigation.

The letter says if a "qualified applicant" with no current financial interest in the existing tavern made an application for the license within 12 months, the board would consider transferring it to that person.

Board Chairman Robert L. Everhart said Eavey has the right to appeal the decision through his attorney, Lou Metzner. Everhart also said Eavey never will be allowed to hold a liquor license at the location of the Dogpatch Tavern again, though he would not rule out Eavey obtaining a license for a different establishment in the future.

"You never know what the circumstances might be," Everhart said. "So, consequently, I wouldn't say he could never hold one again. That would not be a fair statement."

An attempt to reach Eavey at his home Sunday was unsuccessful.

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