Baltimore liquor board opens new hearing room with ribbon cutting, officials praise collaboration

The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City held an inaugural hearing and ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 8, 2025, to mark the opening of its new hearing room at 200 Saint Paul Place, Suite 2300.

The move from City Hall to the new space was celebrated by board staff and local officials as a sign of improved accessibility and interagency cooperation. "The collaboration was absolutely outstanding," said the executive secretary, Doug Page, thanking partner agencies and broadcast partners who helped equip the room. "The journey has been worth it, but we didn't do this alone."

Senator Antonio Hayes, who represents the 40th Legislative District and serves as vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said the new room reflects the public service mission of the agency and helps support small businesses and transparency. "When we are in service to the public, we want to make sure that the places in which we work reflect that commitment," Hayes said.

Baltimore City Sheriff Sam Kogan said his office will provide security for hearings and called regulation of alcohol licenses "important" for city neighborhoods. Deputy Mayor Justin Williams, a former liquor board practitioner, said the new hearing room is an example of how governance can build trust. "This is more than just a room. It's an example of how governance coming together can build trust to the communities and literally open doors," Williams said.

Councilwoman Felicia Porter (District 10) and Councilman Zach Blanchard (Greater Downtown) also attended and offered congratulations to the board staff and inspectors for their work in the community.

Board leadership and staff acknowledged partners who supported the move and the technical setup, including representatives from Charm TV and private partners who assisted with broadcasting. A ribbon-cutting and reception with a cake preceded the formal session; the board adjourned and scheduled its next session for May 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the same room.

The ceremony and the move were described by speakers as ceremonial and logistical steps to support the board's public hearings and inspections; no regulatory changes were announced during the ribbon-cutting.

The board opened its formal May 8 docket immediately after the ceremony at the new location.