The Board of Liquor License Hearing held on May 22, 2025, addressed significant safety violations at a local establishment in Baltimore. The meeting focused on the compliance status of the venue, which had been closed for over a month due to serious fire safety issues.
During the hearing, it was revealed that the establishment had been shut down for approximately 35 to 40 days to rectify multiple violations identified by the Baltimore City Fire Department. These included a lack of emergency lighting, improper egress, and unsafe storage practices, which posed significant risks to patrons and staff. The venue incurred an estimated $35,000 in lost income and rent during this closure.
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Subscribe for Free Fire department representatives reported that the establishment had made substantial improvements since the initial inspection, which had uncovered numerous life safety hazards, including blocked access to electrical panels and unauthorized residential occupancy. Following a reinspection on March 24, 2025, the venue was deemed compliant and allowed to reopen.
The hearing also addressed the establishment's management, with representatives confirming that the current operators, including manager Carmen and her husband Jose Flores, were committed to maintaining compliance moving forward. The board expressed hope that the venue would not return for further violations.
In light of the findings, the board imposed a $300 fine for multiple infractions, including sanitation and safety violations, and granted the establishment 30 days to pay the penalty. The overall sentiment from the board and fire department was one of cautious optimism regarding the establishment's future compliance.