QUESTIONS ABOUT TIMING, COUNCILMAN'S ROLE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY LIQUOR SCANDAL

The shocking results of an investigation by News 4's I-Team into the Montgomery County Department have added to the growing public questioning of why the county is in the liquor business to begin with. But the timing of the revelations, and Councilmember Hans Riemer's quickness to grandstand in a later News 4 sit-down appearance, raise questions. What did he know, and when did he know it? And why did this all go public just 48 hours after Election Day?

Riemer has received tremendous publicity in local media for several years regarding changes he has suggested in county and state liquor regulations. None of those reports indicated that Riemer had received a campaign contribution from at least one liquor license attorney. Riemer's initial proposals did not address public concerns such as the inability to purchase beer and wine at grocery stores in the county, but were more related to expanding the number of people eligible to obtain liquor licenses in the county, and being able to serve liquor without food in county establishments. Now, in this latest interview, Riemer is talking about getting the county out of the business altogether. Which I would welcome. In any case, it's been known for some time that the councilman is eager to change liquor regulations.

Fast forward to immediately after the reports aired. Hans Riemer conveniently was the only county councilmember interviewed for the follow-up report. I'm sure Roger Berliner, Marc Elrich or Nancy Floreen or any other number of councilmembers would have something to say about stolen liquor, and county employees allegedly drinking and driving. But they did not appear. No details have been given so far, but the rapid TV appearance suggests that Riemer was known to the reporters prior to the day the reports aired.

So to get back to the question of, "What did they know, and when did they know it," the News 4 report says the I-Team was following the trucks for several weeks. I think what the taxpayers have a right to know is, when was it known that County DLC drivers were allegedly drinking on the job, and stealing and reselling liquor? Before Election Day, or after? When was Hans Riemer alerted to these findings by News 4 - before Election Day, or after?

If the scandal had become public prior to Election Day, it would have been damaging to Mr. Riemer, County Executive Ike Leggett, and any other council incumbent on the ballot, as each one of them has oversight authority over the DLC.

What was the timeline?

HALLOWEEN AT MUSSEL BAR BETHESDA ROW

Halloween is coming a few days early to Mussel Bar at Bethesda Row. A Halloween Mystery Beer Dinner, with a "spooky" menu will shock and surprise you at 6:00 PM on October 29. To make reservations for the dinner, please call (301) 215-7817.

Mussel Bar

7262 Woodmont Avenue

GALLERY BETHESDA TO HOST OKTOBERFEST ON OCTOBER 25

One concern that has been brought up repeatedly during the Bethesda Downtown sector plan process has been public space - and rightfully so. But some public spaces are already in the works from private developers, and one will get its first real public test on Saturday, October 25. That's when the Gallery Bethesda luxury apartments at 4800 Auburn Avenue will host an Oktoberfest from 2:00-5:00 PM, on the pedestrian plaza outside the tower.

Live music, pumpkin carving and other activities are planned. Food and - most importantly - the beer will be provided by the Gallery's ground floor convenience store (Aria Beer Wine & Deli), and a second caterer.

Bratwurst, hot dogs, soft pretzels with cheese or mustard dipping sauce, and German potato salad are among the early items on the menu. Sausages will be grilled outdoors on the plaza. Beers currently expected to be on the list are Hofbrau Original Lager, Warsteiner Original, Warsteiner Oktoberfest, Warsteiner Dunkel, Beck's, Beck's Octoberfest, Beck's Light, Beck's Dark, and Fat Tire Tour de Fall. Stay tuned for any additions or changes, as this is an early list.

Let's hope for good weather that day. The green space on the opposite side of the plaza will be appropriately decorated for October, including hay bales.

The Oktoberfest is the latest event in what has been a promising fall season for the Gallery. A giant public art mural was recently completed across from the plaza by local artist Jordann Wine. With the first residents having moved in earlier this year, the building is now 80% occupied, according to Property Manager Manuel Majano. Majano and the rest of the Gallery Bethesda staff were celebrating another milestone last Friday, as well. The Donohoe-developed and constructed Gallery Bethesda was named Best Washington/Baltimore Green Apartment Community that day.

The award, bestowed by prominent commercial real estate research firm Delta Associates, recognized the Donohoe Companies, the building's property management firm Vantage Management, and its architect, WDG Architecture. When you consider how many buildings have gone up in the District and Baltimore alone over the last few years, this is indeed an impressive distinction.

JUST TAPPED FOR HALLOWEEN IN BETHESDA: NEWCASTLE WEREWOLF

Union Jack's Bethesda has just tapped a most appropriate brew for the Halloween season: Newcastle Werewolf, an Irish Red Ale from the UK's Caledonian Brewery Company. At a low 4.50% ABV, its bark may be worse than its bite. If you like a hint of sweetness, this could be one to try, with hints of berries and caramel.

Werewolf's average score on Beer Advocate is 73 out of 100, but no mention if it puts hair on your chest.

Union Jack's Bethesda

4915 St. Elmo Avenue

BETHESDA BEER GARDEN BRINGS BEEROLOGY 101 INTO SESSION THIS MONTH

Don't know a dopplebock from a stout? Piazza Beer Garden is giving Bethesda residents a crash course in becoming beer experts this month. Beerology 101 courses will be held every Wednesday, from 6:00-7:30 PM. Students will taste and learn the qualities of major beer categories, with beer styles from around the globe. You can sign up for one course, or take them all.

October 8: Lagers

October 15: Wheat and Rye beers

October 22: English ales and IPAs

October 29: Dark, Belgian and Sour beers

Each class is $20 (plus fee), or you can take all 4 for the discount price of $60. Sign up online. The courses will be led by beer connoisseur Paul-Martin Foss, and you'll even get a certificate of completion.

Piazza Beer Garden

7401 Woodmont Avenue

(right next to Bethesda Metro station)

TYBER BIERHAUS HOLDING ITS FIRST OKTOBERFEST IN BETHESDA

Tyber Bierhaus will be celebrating Oktoberfest from September 27 to October 5, 2014, as it reaches its first fall season since opening on Old Georgetown Road in downtown Bethesda. During the Oktoberfest, selected German beers will be $11 per liter.

Tyber Bierhaus

7525 Old Georgetown Road

240-821-6830