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Blue Bay Bar cited for life‑safety violations; fire department ordered work, fine imposed
Summary
The board found Blue Bay Bar (3724 Eastern Ave) responsible for multiple violations including life‑safety deficiencies on Feb. 22 and imposed fines; the establishment was closed while fire department and building issues were remediated.
The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City on May 22 found multiple violations at Blue Bay Bar and imposed fines after fire‑safety inspections described serious life‑safety deficiencies earlier in the year.
The findings are significant because fire and life‑safety violations carry elevated public‑safety risk and prompted a temporary closure while the fire department required repairs and permits.
Melvin J. Kanetsky, representing the licensee, acknowledged the violations and said the licensees had taken corrective steps: removal of a dance pole and hookah equipment and relocation of stored alcohol. Fire‑division witnesses described the site visit that led to a closure order on Feb. 21 and a reinspection about March 24.
Captain Dennis Dawson of the Fire Marshal’s Office and Inspector Heinlein described conditions observed: no operational emergency lighting, improper egress, electrical panels covered by stage construction, residential occupancy in noncompliant space, storage of fuel‑powered equipment inside the structure and missing required permits. The fire department reported the bar was closed from Feb. 22 until about March 24 while repairs and required permits were completed; the department said the owners incurred approximately $35,000 in lost income and rent during the closure.
The board found violations of Rule 4.152 (obscenity/indecent practices), Rule 3.081(b) (sanitation and safety), Rule 3.011 (ownership and operation disclosures) and Rule 4.181 (alterations) occurring on Feb. 22, 2025, and imposed $300 fines for each violation with 30 days to pay. The board emphasized that further noncompliance could lead to additional enforcement.
Fire and licensing staff said they will continue follow‑up inspections to confirm ongoing compliance with required operational and construction permits and life‑safety systems.
