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The Spot cited for hookah, open‑container and sanitation violations; some charges dismissed
Summary
The Board of Liquor License Commissioners fined The Spot for alterations and sanitation violations and dismissed a general‑welfare charge related to overcrowding; open‑container and sanitation fines were imposed for March incidents.
The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City found violations at The Spot (1171 West Hamburg Street) tied to alleged hookah use, an outdoor unlicensed deck and open containers and imposed fines for multiple incidents during March 2025.
The board’s findings matter because they touch on enforcement of the Clean Indoor Air Act (prohibition on hookah/smoking indoors), occupancy and outdoor‑service rules, and the board’s duty to ensure licensed premises comply with health and safety standards.
Attorney Steven W. Fogelman, representing the licensee Ayesha Ali, made a mixed proffer: admissions for several sanitation and alteration charges and denials for certain overcrowding and open‑container charges. Inspector Jordan testified that on March 31 inspectors observed hookah being smoked inside, smoky conditions and patrons entering and leaving with alcohol in hand; the fire marshal later ordered closure for safety concerns. The board found sanitation and open‑container violations for March 31 and an alteration violation for March 7, but dismissed the general‑welfare overcrowding charge for lack of proof.
The board imposed $300 fines on the alteration (03/07/2025), sanitation (03/15/2025) and the two March 31 violations (sanitation and open containers) and gave the licensee 30 days to pay. Counsel and the licensee told the board they would stop charcoal hookah and ensure security and counting procedures on high‑attendance days.
The chair and board members referenced a prior monetary‑penalty matter for hookah from December 2024 and emphasized that the Clean Indoor Air Act (amended language) prohibits indoor hookah and vaping. The board noted mitigation efforts and compliance plans but imposed fines for the recorded violations.
