Plazuelas Set for BYOB Cinco de Mayo

At a glance, Edgewater’s newest Mexican restaurant, , looks like every other dining option on the highly-traveled highway. But after a closer look at its sign, you’ll see something a bit unusual.

“BYOB for now.”

That’s right,  is a “bring your own bottle” establishment.

Due to their inability to obtain a liquor license prior to opening in December, Plazuelas allows its guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages inside the restaurant. And owner Paul Loza said he’s not optimistic that his business will get the license anytime soon.

March is right in the middle of the reapplication process for businesses to get their liquor license, meaning Plazuealas is at the bottom of the pile of applications, Loza said.

Edward Aronson, deputy administrator of the Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners, said 532 establishments have their liquor license and all of them are renewing during this time of year. 

The process for new license applications doesn’t start until May 1, meaning they’ll be hosting a BYOB Cinco de Mayo, the owner said. Patrons can still bring their own alcohol, but Loza said he and his staff keep track of how much people bring in.

Even with the policy, Loza said his restaurant hasn’t had any trouble with guests going overboard with their alcohol consumption.

Loza said that without a liquor license, business has been alright, although the owner admitted it would be better if they could serve alcohol with their enchiladas, quesadillas and other Mexican dishes.

Plazuelas consulted its liquor license lawyer before deciding to make the restaurant BYOB, Loza said, and once they learned it wasn’t illegal, Loza went for it.

What do you think of the BYOB policy?