The failure of a bill that would have granted 40 liquor licenses to National Harbor bars and clubs is making it harder for Prince George’s County to attract new businesses to the resort and may hamper the $2 billion project’s success.
“Anytime there’s a setback or something that would make the county perceived as a difficult place to do business, it’s a big concern,” John Erzen, spokesman for County Executive Jack Johnson, told The Examiner. “We’ll have to look at other ways for National Harbor to get what they need.”
The bill had been cruising through the General Assembly since its introduction in late February, passing the House on March 29, and seemed destined for success in the Senate. But it was scuttled by a late-in-the-day play Monday by Sen. C. Anthony Muse, D-Prince George’s, to add a requirement for greater commitments for minority contracts from developer Milton Perterson.
Now, some alcohol-selling venues won’t be allowed.
The bill would have created special licenses for nightclubs that don’t serve food; they’re otherwise banned throughout Prince George’s County. And drinking at outdoor festivals, which National Harbor officials have said are expected to boost local interest at the 300-acre project, won’t be allowed either.
Meanwhile, the remaining bars and clubs interested in setting up shop at National Harbor will have to navigate what some county officials have called the county’s highly political liquor board on their own.
Muse introduced the bill after Gaylord National Hotel and Resort sued the liquor board for denying it a license. The mega hotel said in court filings the board denied the license to obtain a higher fee. Gaylord has since obtained a license for its eight restaurants and bars and isn’t affected by the bill’s failure.
Since being elected, Johnson has focused his attention on making the county an easy place to do business, Erzen said, and political strife that sets up roadblocks gives the county a poor image.
NATIONAL HARBOR FAST FACTS:
300 acres set a long a 1 1/4 mile stretch of the Potomac River
1 million square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space
500,000 square feet of office space
4 piers, including two marinas
2,500 residential units
10,000 on-site parking spaces
