Liquor board approves live entertainment for So Baltimore Sports Bar despite neighborhood opposition

The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City voted to add live entertainment and delivery privileges to the class BD7 license for So Baltimore Sports Bar and Grill at 3734 Fleet Street, subject to the conditions imposed by the zoning board.

The approval follows a zoning board conditional-use ruling that limited live entertainment hours and added other restrictions; the liquor board said it would incorporate those same limits into the license. Neighbors, community groups and city officials submitted letters of opposition citing repeated noise complaints, instances of outdoor overcrowding and two recorded violations for live entertainment without authorization.

The board heard extended testimony from licensee Malcolm Delaney, who said he bought and manages the business and that live entertainment is intended to be limited and occasional. “We don't we don't do that. We don't disrespect the community at all,” Delaney said when asked about prior calls reporting noise and open doors during events. Delaney also told the board the operation has security and that his business hosts a variety of daytime and private events.

Denise Coe of the Community Law Center and representatives of neighborhood groups urged the board to attach additional conditions, notably asking that weekday live performances end at 10 p.m. rather than 11 p.m. and that outdoor-capacity limits be strictly enforced. Brent Fisher, president of the Southeast Community Relations Council and Brewers Hill Neighbors Inc., told the board the bar’s “beats and brunch” events have sometimes led to overcrowding on the outdoor area and spillover into the street. Resident Mary Janowiak said she has a “completely unobstructed view” of the bar and described episodes when crowds spilled into the street and fights followed.

The board noted the zoning board’s finding and the conditional-use restrictions and said those conditions would be added to the liquor license. The board also received multiple exhibits, including the BMZA ruling, letters of opposition from the Baltimore City Police Department and elected officials, and a petition of support. The board approved the application to add live entertainment and delivery of alcoholic beverages while saying parties should take steps to address outdoor crowding and noise.

Community representatives said they would pursue further remedies if problems persist, including a possible license protest at renewal. The board encouraged licensee and neighbors to use the city’s community liaison services to mediate outstanding disputes before they escalate to formal protests or appeals.