Anne Arundel Circuit Judge Eugene M. Lerner said yesterday he will recuse himself from any case involving Annapolis developer Harvey Blonder, who is suing the city for a liquor license to keep his restaurant open until 2 a.m.
"Mr. Blonder doesn't feel he can get a fair hearing from me, and when anyone doesn't feel they can get a fair hearing from me, I recuse myself," Judge Lerner said.
Last June, Judge Lerner reversed a ruling by the Annapolis City Council that would have allowed the restaurant, Buddy's Crabs and Ribs, 100 Main St., to stay open until 2 a.m.
Mr. Blonder is appealing that decision, hoping to be able to serve liquor until 2 a.m. and have live entertainment.
He asked Judge Lerner to recuse himself because the judge owns land within 200 yards of Mr. Blonder's property, and Mr. Blonder has alleged that ownership could bias his future rulings.
Mr. Blonder could not be reached for comment last night.